Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District facts for kids
The Frank Lloyd Wright/Prairie School of Architecture Historic District is a special neighborhood in Oak Park, Illinois. It's like a living museum of amazing houses! This area is recognized as a historic district by both the United States government and the local village of Oak Park.
This means the buildings here are important and protected because of their history and unique design. Many of the more than 80 houses in this district were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He is known as one of the greatest American architects ever!
Contents
Discovering the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
Imagine walking through a neighborhood where almost every house tells a story. That's what it's like in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. It's not just a place where people live; it's a place where history and art come together.
The district is in Oak Park, Illinois, a village just outside of Chicago. Frank Lloyd Wright lived and worked here for many years. He designed many homes in this area, making it a unique collection of his early work.
Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959) was a truly groundbreaking architect. He believed that buildings should fit in with their surroundings. He also thought that homes should be comfortable and practical for the people living in them.
Wright designed all kinds of buildings, from homes to museums. He even designed furniture and stained glass windows! His ideas changed how people thought about architecture in America and around the world.
What is Prairie School Architecture?
Many of the homes in this district are examples of something called the Prairie School style. Frank Lloyd Wright was a leader in creating this style. It was popular in the early 1900s.
Prairie School homes often have:
- Low, horizontal lines, like the flat landscape of the American prairie.
- Wide, overhanging roofs.
- Open floor plans inside, meaning rooms flow into each other.
- Lots of windows to let in light.
- Natural materials like wood, brick, and stone.
These houses were designed to feel connected to nature. They were a big change from the more traditional, boxy homes of the time.
Protecting History: Historic Districts
A historic district is an area with a group of buildings that are important because of their history or architecture. When an area becomes a historic district, it helps protect these special buildings. This means people can't just tear them down or change them without special permission.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District is important for two reasons:
- It's a federally designated historic district. This means the U.S. government recognizes its importance. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- It's also a local historic district within Oak Park. This gives it extra protection from the village itself.
Even though the federal and local districts have slightly different boundaries, they both aim to preserve the amazing architectural heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School. It's a way to make sure future generations can enjoy and learn from these incredible designs.
Images for kids
-
Map of the local boundaries of the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District
