The Emil Bach House, designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright has reopened for public tours, and that has many architectural enthusiasts quite excited–and for good reason! Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties are known for their thoughtful burgeoning modernity.
To fully enjoy the experience, you want to approach a tour with a little background as a guide. Here we’ll explore several key things to know about Frank Lloyd Wright to help round out your experience.
- Frank Lloyd Wright Is Perhaps The Primary Architectural Pioneer In America
Wright is most well-known for his “Prairie School” architectural style. His homes tended to blend right in with the “flatness” of America’s many prairies. This style strongly contrasts with traditional European architecture, which was popular during Wright’s heyday. The notable contrast here ultimately resulted in a trend that soon came to define American architecture. When exploring the Emil Bach House, note the square, rectangular shapes, flat roofs, and open space. - In His Over Eighty Year Lifespan, He Produced Over 1,000 Architectural Designs
Wright is known to have designed 1,114 separate buildings. As time has gone by, many were demolished, but there are still properties all over the world bearing his signature style. Chiefly, USA, Canadian, and Japanese communities feature his work. He didn’t only center his creativity on residential units. He also designed churches, mausoleums, commercial structures, museums, and much more. A good number of his designs were not realized until after he passed away. - Only Half Of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Designs Were Ever Built; Many Remain Unrealized
Of Wright’s 1,114 designs, only 532 of them were realized before he passed away. However, his ample portfolio of unbuilt structures has proved prime design inspiration for later architects. - Wright Was Well-Known As An Outsider, Not Joining Himself To The Venerated AIA Of His Day
Wright called the American Institute of Architects “a harbor of refuge for the incompetent,” which aptly sums up his opinion of their output. Bear in mind his perspectives as you explore what he built. Since his work has stood the test of time, it’s notable that he may well have had a point regarding his peers. Many historical figures share Wright’s perspective on “in crowds,” and that’s a data point relevant for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of how the world really works, as opposed to its representation. - Are You A Fan Of Ayn Rand? It’s Theorized Frank Lloyd Wright Helped Inspire The Fountainhead
Ostensibly, Howard Roark, the protagonist of Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead, was based on Frank Lloyd Wright. Certainly, in light of the information in this brief writing, this contention fits the character of Wright. Roark is independent, individualistic, headstrong, and modernist. It is known Rand never met Lloyd until after The Fountainhead was written, but she would have likely been aware of his work while she was putting the book together.
Booking Your Tour
You’ll find Frank Lloyd’s Emil Bach House located at 7415 N. Sheridan Road in Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, right on the lake. The home has a more intimate quality to it than other creations of Frank Lloyd Wright. It is one of few examples remaining of the Prairie School style characterizing his work. Cubical geometry, cantilevering, and many open spaces tend to describe Emil Bach House.
As of 1977, the house Wright designed for Emil Bach in 1915 became designated a Chicago Landmark. In 1979, it achieved a place on the U.S. Register of Historical Places. Eight years ago, in 2013, the property was carefully refurbished to reflect its original look. Now, as of February 9, 2021, The Emil Bach House resumes historical guided tours, and with new safety precautions to assure those tours prioritize the health and safety of both guests and guides.
There will be 45-minute tours in the middle of the week, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tours will be limited to 2 to 6 persons from the same social group, $15 per person, and guided throughout. Advance reservations are recommended, and tickets can be purchased online here, or by phone at the Frank Lloyd Trust number (312) 994-4000.
If you’re an FLW Trust member, rentals and events at the Emil Bach House are discounted–you can find more information on this website, or by calling (773) 654-3959. Please note that children under the age of eight are not permitted on the tour.
For history, architecture, and Americana enthusiasts, the Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright offers a cornucopia of pleasures overt and subtle and represents a fine opportunity for enrichment and discovery. Looking forward to seeing you here!
