By Juan C. Ayllon I have been a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright since 1979 when, as a freshman in architecture at Iowa State University, I discovered his genius. Ultimately, I switched schools and majors several times over, ending up a writer and educator instead. However, my admiration for this elite architect has only grown. A Wright-eous Influence As an American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) pioneered the Prairie School movement – characterized by horizontal lines, integration with the landscape, hipped or flat roofs, and large overhanging eaves. He was also a major influencer of 20th Century architectural movements worldwide through his mass proliferation of impressive structures and apprentices via his Taliesin Fellowship. A native of rural Wisconsin, he espoused a philosophy of creating harmony with the environment and humanity, which he called Organic Architecture. This was best demonstrated in his masterwork, Fallingwater, which Business Week called “the best all-time work of American architecture.” (Wikipedia). Falling, Falling Recently, I was searching online for places to travel with Belle on weekend jaunts, and Wisconsin-based Frank Lloyd Wright homes were at the top of my list. That’s when I discovered an architectural doppelganger of Wright’s Fallingwater. Although the national landmark resides in Millrun, Pennsylvania, this lookalike is located maybe two hour’s drive from Chicago at the resort town of Lake Geneva, a celebrated go-to destination for romantic outings with superb dining, shopping, boat tours and a scenic walkway through the backyards of lake houses and mansions surrounding the massive lake. How convenient! Listed for sale at $6,575,000 at W. 4443 N. Lakeshore Drive, this 4,024 square foot, 4 bedroom and 4.5 bath behemoth of stone, glass and steel is nestled on 3.24 wooded lakeside acres. Inspired by Wright’s Fallingwater, it was built in 1991 (housebeautiful.com). A Primordial Epiphany After viewing several articles and a realtor’s video on the property, a plan slowly congeals in my mind: inspired by the massive, Wright-esque home, we’ll nosh on wood-fired pizza, imbibe wine and the spectacular waterfront vista from Oakfire, hit up some shops, and stroll holding hands as the sun sets. Now I’m firing on all three cylinders of Paul Maclean’s Triune Brain model – the Reptilian (Primal Brain), the Paleomammalian (Emotional Brain), and the Neomammalian (Rational Brain) – but clearly, the Reptilian is the primary motivator, with its drive to eat, drink and love (www.Interaction-design.org) A smug smile creased my face. “This is going to be good,” I think as I email a showing request to the listing realtor, David Curry of Geneva Lakefront Realty. “A little wine, a little dinner and some Frank Lloyd Wright – what can go wrong?” A Cataclysmic Letdown It’s been postulated that a massive asteroid strike wiped out the Dinosaur Age 66 million years ago, and in a few keyboard strokes, a realtor dashed my grandiose plans for a convenient, but powerful architectural elixir-fueled weekend. Twenty minutes later, I received the following response from Curry: “Unfortunately, that home has been sold and torn down. Thanks.” Ugh. Hoping the realtor’s shining me on so he can spend the time with qualified buyers instead, I do a quick web search on its razing and, sure enough, he’s telling the truth. Turns out it sold for $6,075,000 on September 30, 2020 and was subsequently demolished. That hurts. I discovered this home two years too late. What an incredible letdown. But, disappointment aside, it’s a crying shame. The former home at W. 4443 N. Lakeshore Drive had been a popular fixture for the lake path walkers for years. How someone could destroy such a stunning architectural home like that stupefies me. However, if they are rich enough to purchase it, it’s feasible that they may simply want to own an original designed monolith catering to their tastes (or lack thereof) rather than a very nice copy of an historical icon. Huge Consolation Thankfully in my online search, I discover Taliesin Wisconsin, a National Historic Landmark in Spring Green, Wisconsin that features Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning 37,000 square foot house, architectural school and 800 acre estate. There are several tour packages showcasing these and Wright buildings from virtually every decade of his career from the 1890s to the 1950s. In short order, I contact their media liaison about writing a piece for Prairie Audio, she checks it out and sends me a media kit. Now, I have plans to visit this campus in several weeks. Even though Belle won't be joining me for the trip, it should prove to be an enriching experience on several levels. First, this allows me to experience a much larger swath of Wright's genuine works up close. This isn't some 4,000 square foot Wright-inspired home but his actual living quarters, school, and other buildings of his -- all in one locale. Second, in visiting Taliesin Wisconsin, I gain an invaluable and unexpected point of connection with family; my aunt Lou Wynne, an artist and educator, had volunteered some time and work with the Taliesin West in Arizona. Her late husband, Al Wynne, was an acclaimed abstract painter who lived with her in their home and Wynne Studio in the Black Forest outside of Colorado Springs which burned down in the Black Forest Fire in 2013, Tragically, much of their works were lost. “He is one of the most important abstract painters in Colorado and in this region,” Hugh Grant, director of the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver had said of Al. “He had a tremendous intellect and an intuitive feeling for his media.” (https://www.denverpost.com). I had enjoyed a delightful visit with them and my cousins, John and Marsea Wynne, back in August 2009. It was an immersion in superb paintings, sculpture, and Lou's pottery. And along their family room's wall stood an imposing pair of vintage Magnepan flat panel ribbon speakers connected to an SAE amp and turntable. As an aspiring audiophile, I was very impressed! Then, four months later in December, Al Wynne passed away from cancer at age 87. Thankfully, the passing of time has softened the blow. Now in her 90s, Lou lives with her daughter, Marsea, and maintains close ties with my mother, Bess (85), who, like me, keeps an Al Wynne original at her home.
An Unexpected Link to Wright and Taliesin "I visited Taliesin East in Wisconsin with Lou around 1999, a wonderful experience!," my mom posts on my Facebook wall. "Also, I visited Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ with Lou and Chuck (their brother) around 2000." "Lou worked in assisting FLW's grand daughter, also an architect, in research and other art related work in Colorado Springs for several years," she continues. "Her full name escapes me now. Elizabeth Wright? But it was a great experience for Lou." I never knew the extent of Lou's involvement. But wait, there's more! "The first FLW home I visited was in north central Iowa as an art class student at Iowa Wesleyan under Carl Fracassini, also a practicing artist in Colorado and Iowa and mentor to Al Wynne," Bess writes. "You will certainly be inspired in your visit to Wisconsin!" I am excited. Moreover, there's something to be said for maintaining family connections, especially as we age. Having lost friends and acquaintances to mortality in recent years, at 61, I am becoming acutely aware of this truth. Like W. 4443 N. Lakeshore Drive, we only get so many opportunities. Expanding My Own Work Third, as an art educator, I will be on spring break and since Belle will be working then, it will provide me some potential enriching materials to share with students, as well as give me something special to look forward to while Belle is occupied. And as a writer, this will give me an opportunity to indulge my creative process in yet another area of passion -- and share the results with you, my readers. That's a big win.
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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