The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest

Architecture

Undoubtedly the most important leader in local architecture of the Prairie School period, the name Frank Lloyd Wright has become a legacy here in Oak Park and River Forest.

By many, Wright has been described as an architectural genius, though it can also be argued that Wright's genius lay more in the promotion of a new style, and the bringing together of the many talents who were part of that progressive movement in architecture called the "Prairie School".

Wright's name has become generically associated with the Prairie School, though it is his work - along with the work of many others - that has put Oak Park and River Forest on the architectural map, with the great concentration of architectural gems within the two villages.

Along with other "Prairie School" architects - William Drummond, Walter Burley Griffin, Marion Mahony and John Van Bergen (and several more) - Wright's work, and theirs, has turned Oak Park into an architectural "Mecca" for travelers worldwide.  Below are some of those architects and their buildings.  

	For a comprehensive list of Oak Park buildings:
	The Oak Park Architecture Database  (Courtesy of Don Gunning)
	Notable Buildings
	Oak Park	River Forest
	Unity Temple	River Forest Women's Club
	Frank L. and Catherine Wright Home and Studio	Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
	Mr. & Mrs. Salem Munyer Apartments	Charles A. Purcell House
	Three Flori Blondeel Houses	Arthur Davenport House
	Pleasant Home	Isabel Roberts House
	Pilgrim Congregational Church	William Drummond House
	Ernest Hemingway Birthplace

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The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest, Copyright © 2004  All Rights Reserved