American System-Built Houses
Encyclopedia
The American System-Built Homes were modest houses designed by architect
Frank Lloyd Wright
. They were developed between 1912 and 1916, to fulfill his interest in affordable housing
. Wright was devoted to the idea of providing beautiful yet affordable homes to the public. His firm produced over 960 drawings for the project, the largest number of drawings for any project in the Wright archives. The designs were standardized, and customers could choose from seven models. Because of this standardization, the lumber
could be precut at the factory, thereby cutting down on both waste, and the amount of skilled labor needed for their construction. The buildings are often referred to as prefab homes, but they were not, since no parts of the homes were constructed off-site. The lumber was cut at the factory, and packaged along with all other components, and delivered to the work site for construction. Some are located in a federal historic district in and others have been designated Chicago Landmarks in .
. After this, Richards learned of Wright's new American System-Built Homes, and in 1914 began construction on six as demonstrator models. Richards gained the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the homes. He sold franchises
to market the homes, and allowed only approved contractors
to build them. He had offices in Milwaukee, the Chicago
area, Champaign
, Decatur
and Gary
. The Richards Company milled the lumber, cut it to specification, and packaged all the materials needed for construction, including plaster, paint, windows, hardware and fixtures. The customer purchased a complete home, so in addition to the materials, skilled craftsmen were provided.
In April 1917, the United States entered World War I
, and building materials were diverted to the war effort, stalling new home building. Later that year, Wright, dissatisfied with Richards, sued him for nonpayment of royalties and fees, and the project came to an end. It is believed that about 25 System-Built Homes were constructed, but only about 15 survive. They can be found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
The original six homes built in Milwaukee by Arthur Richards were added to the National Register of Historic Places
in 1985. There are four model 7a duplex
es, a model B1 bungalow
, the only example of its kind, and a model C3 bungalow. It is the only known grouping of System-Built homes, and the only grouping of Frank Lloyd Wright homes that includes both duplexes and single-family dwellings. Three of the homes have been purchased by the Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Program. The B1 bungalow was restored in 2010, with one of the duplexes to follow. They are located in the 2700 block of West Burnham Street, at South Layton Boulevard.
American System Built Homes in the Burnham Street District:
The Arthur R Munkwitz Duplex Apartments were pair of four-unit apartment buildings built in 1916. The Munkwitz Duplexes were based on a different System Built plan and constructed on 1102-1112 N. 27th St - a few blocks north of the Burnham Street Historic District. They were demolished in 1973.
and City Council
of Chicago designated two System-Built Homes as Chicago Landmarks. Built in 1917, they are located at 10410 (the Guy C. Smith House) and 10541 S. Hoyne Avenue (the H. Howard Hyde House). The first, at 10410 Hoyne, was intended to be the first of a subdivision of the homes. Both the Smith and Hyde Houses are two story, single-family units.
Two story, single-family units:
. Taliesin Associated Architects
were contracted to design new homes based on the original designs. They were expected to sell for $125,000 to $150,000 USD, similar to the originals in that the cost was relatively low.
, next door to the Burleigh House at 330 Gregory Ave. In 1989, Storrer had previously identified the 1916 house as the work of John S. Van Bergen
even though the residence does not appear in Martin Hackl’s complete catalog, The Works of John S. Van Bergen, Architect. In his 2008 findings Storrer revised his claim, then stating that the Sullivan House was actually an American System-Built Home with a dining room addition by Van Bergen. Excluding the alleged addition, the main block of the Sullivan House is nearly identical to that of the Wynant House; only the entrance and garage orientation, a missing bedroom above the garage, and differences in trim details distinguish these two residences. Storrer’s assertion is further substantiated by a drawing from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation which shows Model D-101 with the Sullivan House entrance and without the Wynant House garage wing.
Storrer also identified three potential single-story American System-Built Homes in Berwyn, Illinois
. One, the Chester Bragg House (1916) is located at the 6644 34th Street at the corner of Wesley Avenue and has a Model B1 plan.
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1,000 structures and completed 500 works. Wright believed in designing structures which were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture...
. They were developed between 1912 and 1916, to fulfill his interest in affordable housing
Affordable housing
Affordable housing is a term used to describe dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed "affordable" to those that have a median income. Although the term is often applied to rental housing that is within the financial means of those in the lower income ranges of a geographical area, the...
. Wright was devoted to the idea of providing beautiful yet affordable homes to the public. His firm produced over 960 drawings for the project, the largest number of drawings for any project in the Wright archives. The designs were standardized, and customers could choose from seven models. Because of this standardization, the lumber
Lumber
Lumber or timber is wood in any of its stages from felling through readiness for use as structural material for construction, or wood pulp for paper production....
could be precut at the factory, thereby cutting down on both waste, and the amount of skilled labor needed for their construction. The buildings are often referred to as prefab homes, but they were not, since no parts of the homes were constructed off-site. The lumber was cut at the factory, and packaged along with all other components, and delivered to the work site for construction. Some are located in a federal historic district in and others have been designated Chicago Landmarks in .
Manufacture and sales
In 1911, Arthur L. Richards and a partner contracted with Frank Lloyd Wright to design a hotel in Lake Geneva, WisconsinLake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is a city in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 7,148 at the 2000 census. A resort city located on Geneva Lake, it is southwest of Milwaukee and popular with tourists from metropolitan Chicago and Milwaukee.-History:...
. After this, Richards learned of Wright's new American System-Built Homes, and in 1914 began construction on six as demonstrator models. Richards gained the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the homes. He sold franchises
Franchising
Franchising is the practice of using another firm's successful business model. The word 'franchise' is of anglo-French derivation - from franc- meaning free, and is used both as a noun and as a verb....
to market the homes, and allowed only approved contractors
General contractor
A general contractor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and communication of information to involved parties throughout the course of a building project.-Description:...
to build them. He had offices in Milwaukee, the Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
area, Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of...
, Decatur
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
and Gary
Gary, Indiana
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The city is in the southeastern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The population is 80,294 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. It borders Lake Michigan and is known...
. The Richards Company milled the lumber, cut it to specification, and packaged all the materials needed for construction, including plaster, paint, windows, hardware and fixtures. The customer purchased a complete home, so in addition to the materials, skilled craftsmen were provided.
In April 1917, the United States entered World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, and building materials were diverted to the war effort, stalling new home building. Later that year, Wright, dissatisfied with Richards, sued him for nonpayment of royalties and fees, and the project came to an end. It is believed that about 25 System-Built Homes were constructed, but only about 15 survive. They can be found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Burnham Street Historic District, Milwaukee
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1985. There are four model 7a duplex
Duplex (building)
The term duplex can be used to describe several different dwelling unit configurations:A duplex house is defined as a dwelling having apartments with separate entrances for two families. This includes two-story houses having a complete apartment on each floor and also side-by-side apartments on a...
es, a model B1 bungalow
Bungalow
A bungalow is a type of house, with varying meanings across the world. Common features to many of these definitions include being detached, low-rise , and the use of verandahs...
, the only example of its kind, and a model C3 bungalow. It is the only known grouping of System-Built homes, and the only grouping of Frank Lloyd Wright homes that includes both duplexes and single-family dwellings. Three of the homes have been purchased by the Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Program. The B1 bungalow was restored in 2010, with one of the duplexes to follow. They are located in the 2700 block of West Burnham Street, at South Layton Boulevard.
American System Built Homes in the Burnham Street District:
- Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments - referred to as either "Model 7a Duplexes", "Model C" or "Model F" - 4 units, 3 identical units (2720-2730 West Burnham), the 4th unit (2732-2734 West Burnham) is a mirror image. The second house from the west has been converted to a single family home.
- Arthur L. Richards Small House - "Model B1" or "Cottage B" located at 2714 West Burnham Street.
- Richards Bungalow - "Model C3" or "Cottage A"located at 1835 South Layton Boulevard. This house was resurfaced in precast coral stone veneer in 1956.
The Arthur R Munkwitz Duplex Apartments were pair of four-unit apartment buildings built in 1916. The Munkwitz Duplexes were based on a different System Built plan and constructed on 1102-1112 N. 27th St - a few blocks north of the Burnham Street Historic District. They were demolished in 1973.
American System-Built Houses, Chicago
On July 13, 1994, the MayorMayor of Chicago
The Mayor of Chicago is the chief executive of Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the United States. He or she is charged with directing city departments and agencies, and with the advice and consent of the Chicago City Council, appoints department and agency leaders.-Appointment...
and City Council
Chicago City Council
The Chicago City Council is the legislative branch of the government of the City of Chicago in Illinois. It consists of 50 aldermen elected from 50 wards to serve four-year terms...
of Chicago designated two System-Built Homes as Chicago Landmarks. Built in 1917, they are located at 10410 (the Guy C. Smith House) and 10541 S. Hoyne Avenue (the H. Howard Hyde House). The first, at 10410 Hoyne, was intended to be the first of a subdivision of the homes. Both the Smith and Hyde Houses are two story, single-family units.
Other American System-Built Homes
Bungalow style units based on the "C3" or "Cottage A" design:- Lewis E. Burleigh House - Wilmette, IllinoisWilmette, IllinoisWilmette is a village in New Trier Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is located north of Chicago's downtown district and has a population of 27,651. Wilmette is considered a bedroom community in the North Shore district...
(1915) - Ida and Grace McElwain House - Lake Bluff, IllinoisLake Bluff, IllinoisLake Bluff is a village in Lake County, Illinois. It is the closest moderate-sized town near the Great Lakes Navy Base and is North of Lake Forest. The population is 6,056 according to the 2000 census. The town has a police department and volunteer fire department.-History:In 1836, John and...
(1915) - Stephen M. B. Hunt House II - Oshkosh, WisconsinOshkosh, WisconsinAs of the census of 2000, there were 62,916 people, 24,082 households, and 13,654 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,662.2 people per square mile . There were 25,420 housing units at an average density of 1,075.6 per square mile...
(1917)
Two story, single-family units:
- Wilbur Wynant HouseWilbur Wynant HouseThe Wilbur Wynant House also known as 600 Fillmore or simply the Wynant House was a house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house was part of his American System-Built Homes Series. Although the house was built in 1916, it was not discovered to be by Frank Lloyd Wright until 1995....
- Gary, IndianaGary, IndianaGary is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The city is in the southeastern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The population is 80,294 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. It borders Lake Michigan and is known...
(1916) - Oscar A. Johnson House - Evanston, IllinoisEvanston, IllinoisEvanston is a suburban municipality in Cook County, Illinois 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, bordering Chicago to the south, Skokie to the west, and Wilmette to the north, with an estimated population of 74,360 as of 2003. It is one of the North Shore communities that adjoin Lake Michigan...
(1917) - Delbert W. Meier House - Monona, IowaMonona, IowaMonona is a city in Clayton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 1,550 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Monona is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
(1917) - Charles Heisen House - Villa Park, IllinoisVilla Park, IllinoisVilla Park is a suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. The population was 22,075 at the 2000 census. A special census in 2003 set the population at 22,517...
(1917)
2000s revival
In 1999 it was announced that an update of the American System-Built Homes would be part of a renewal of Atlantic City, New JerseyAtlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, United States, and a nationally renowned resort city for gambling, shopping and fine dining. The city also served as the inspiration for the American version of the board game Monopoly. Atlantic City is located on Absecon Island on the coast...
. Taliesin Associated Architects
Taliesin Associated Architects
Taliesin Associated Architects is an architectural firm founded by Frank Lloyd Wright to carry on his architectural vision after his death. It was headquartered at Taliesin West and had up to 14 principals who had all worked under Wright. One of their first major projects was Rocky Mountain...
were contracted to design new homes based on the original designs. They were expected to sell for $125,000 to $150,000 USD, similar to the originals in that the cost was relatively low.
Recently identified but not verified
In 2008, Wright scholar, William Allin Storrer unveiled his controversial 29 undiscovered Frank Lloyd Wright works. One of these houses was the Thomas E. Sullivan House at 336 Gregory Avenue in Wilmette, IllinoisWilmette, Illinois
Wilmette is a village in New Trier Township, Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is located north of Chicago's downtown district and has a population of 27,651. Wilmette is considered a bedroom community in the North Shore district...
, next door to the Burleigh House at 330 Gregory Ave. In 1989, Storrer had previously identified the 1916 house as the work of John S. Van Bergen
John S. Van Bergen
John Shellette Van Bergen was an American architect born in Oak Park, Illinois. Van Bergen started his architectural career as an apprentice draftsman in 1907. In 1909 he went to work for Frank Lloyd Wright at his studio in Oak Park. At Wright's studio he did working drawings for and supervised...
even though the residence does not appear in Martin Hackl’s complete catalog, The Works of John S. Van Bergen, Architect. In his 2008 findings Storrer revised his claim, then stating that the Sullivan House was actually an American System-Built Home with a dining room addition by Van Bergen. Excluding the alleged addition, the main block of the Sullivan House is nearly identical to that of the Wynant House; only the entrance and garage orientation, a missing bedroom above the garage, and differences in trim details distinguish these two residences. Storrer’s assertion is further substantiated by a drawing from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation which shows Model D-101 with the Sullivan House entrance and without the Wynant House garage wing.
Storrer also identified three potential single-story American System-Built Homes in Berwyn, Illinois
Berwyn, Illinois
Berwyn is a city in Cook County, Illinois, co-existent with Berwyn Township, which was formed in 1908 after breaking off from Cicero Township. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 54,016.-Demographics:...
. One, the Chester Bragg House (1916) is located at the 6644 34th Street at the corner of Wesley Avenue and has a Model B1 plan.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
- List of Chicago Landmarks
External links
- Wright in Milwaukee
- 600 Fillmore, Gary, Indiana
- Plan of model C3
- Richards Bungalow on dgunning.org
- H. Howard Hyde House
- H. Howard Hyde house on peterbeers.net
- H. Howard Hyde house on dgunning.org
- Guy C. Smith House
- Guy C. Smith house on peterbeers.net
- Guy C. Smith house on dgunning.org
- Frank Lloyd Wright 'American System-Built Houses' (American System Ready-Cut) 1911 - 1917, ONLINE SOURCES:
- 2720 West Burnham Street in the Library of Congress