Tickets are now available for the internationally acclaimed Wright Plus 2012 housewalk, showcasing rare interior tours of private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in historic Oak Park, Illinois.
Wright Plus, hosted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 2, features magnificent private residences from Oak Park-the community with the most Wright-designed structures. Guests will enjoy interpretations based on in-depth research of the homes’ history and architecture, including discussions of the original occupants’ lifestyles. This exceptional housewalk, which attracts visitors from around the world, offers intimate looks at a collection of beautiful homes lining the historic streets of Oak Park. Tickets are available at GoWright.org and by calling 877.848.3559. Tickets are $85 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members and $100 for non-members.
The Wright Plus housewalk features nine private homes, three designed by Wright, and three public buildings designed by Wright. The William G. Fricke House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1901) is an early, rare three-story Prairie example with remarkable art glass and the Oscar B. Balch House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1911) is a notable transitional example with a unique overlook and thoughtful restorations. The William E. Martin House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1903) is a stunning, family-friendly Prairie home featuring original murals and a lovely water garden. The three public buildings designed by Wright-Unity Temple, Robie House and Wright’s Home and Studio-are National Historic Landmarks.
The George Sharp House (Architect Unknown, 1873) is one of Oak Park’s oldest residences showcasing stunning original woodwork. The John T. Price House (E.E. Roberts, 1904) is a spectacular updated Queen Anne with an exceptional addition. Vernon Skiff House (Nimmons & Fellows, 1909) is a restrained elegance in an eclectic design suggesting the Prairie School, and the Charles Schwerin House (E. E. Roberts, 1908) is a beautifully restored classic design highlighting gorgeous craftsmanship and art glass. The two John Van Bergen Houses, Philip Griess House (1914) and Robert Erskine House (1913), are charming variations of Wright’s famous fireproof Prairie houses.
The Ultimate Plus Weekend
Along with the famed housewalk tour, the Preservation Trust also offers the Ultimate Plus Weekend, an exclusive four-day weekend of events Thursday, May 31 to Sunday, June 3. As part of the Ultimate Plus Weekend guests will enjoy an elegant reception at the beautiful 1905 Wright-designed lobby of The Rookery Building in downtown Chicago on Thursday and a Friday Excursion to Wright-designed buildings in Chicago’s exclusive North Shore. Guests will enjoy the housewalk, a private luncheon and lecture and Exclusively Wright Dinners on Saturday, and a Behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House on Sunday.
The invitation-only Chairman’s Reception kicks off the Ultimate Plus experience Thursday, May 31 at The Rookery Building, a historic Burnham and Root structure in downtown Chicago. The Rookery is noted as one of the original skyscrapers and showcases a beautiful 1905 Wright-designed lobby. Mingle with Ultimate Plus guests and VIPs while exploring this grand building and perusing the silent auction. The Friday Excursion, Private Passage to Wright’s North Shore, is day trip featuring tours of privately owned Wright-designed homes. The trip includes a visit to the private Charles F. Glore House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1951), nestled on over an acre of wooded property, and the much earlier Prairie style Emil Bach House (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1915) that serves as an artistic gem and a Chicago landmark. This is a triumphant design for a small, urban dwelling. Travelers will lunch overlooking Lake Michigan at the private Michigan Shores Club, which was designed by Daniel H. Burnham.
Saturday, June 2 enjoy the housewalk and a private luncheon and lecture from the Preservation Trust’s Curator and Director of Interpretations. Then, Saturday evening delight in the Exclusively Wright Dinners. The private dinners offer an intimate experience combining a magical Frank Lloyd Wright space and the exquisite cuisine of an acclaimed chef. The evening includes champagne, live music, private tours and conversations with the current owners. Finally, on Sunday, the Behind-the-scenes Tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House will cap off the weekend’s festivities. Enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast at the Carleton Hotel before departing for your private tour of Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House. One of Wright’s greatest buildings, the Robie House is a masterpiece of the Prairie style and an icon of early modernism.
The Ultimate Plus Weekend Package is highlighted by three night’s accommodation in a deluxe room (double occupancy) at the historic Carleton of Oak Park, Official Hotel of Wright Plus 2012, and transportation from hotel to all events. For more information about the Preservation Trust and Wright Plus events visit GoWright.org. The Wright Plus housewalk and weekend events support the preservation, restoration and education programs of the Preservation Trust.
