A historic Frank Lloyd Wright home in Chicago, the J.J. Walser Jr. House, has recently been added to a list of endangered architecture in the city. Located in the Austin neighborhood, this Prairie-style home is one of only five surviving homes designed by Wright in the city and has been unoccupied for several years, in desperate need of repair.
Preservation Chicago, a nonprofit organization that advocates for local architecture, included the Walser House in its annual Chicago 7 list, which highlights at-risk buildings in the city. Ward Miller, the executive director of Preservation Chicago, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the house, citing water damage and vandalism as major issues that need urgent attention.
Built in 1903 for printing executive Joseph Jacob Walser, the house features Wright’s signature overhanging eaves and open floor plan with built-in furniture and art glass windows. It was designed as an affordable structure, costing only $4,000 at the time. However, the recent owners, Anne and Hurley Teague, who purchased the property in 1970, struggled to maintain the house. Hurley, a contractor, worked tirelessly to preserve it until his death in 1997, and Anne passed away in 2019, leaving the property’s future uncertain.
Despite being designated as a Chicago Landmark in 1981 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, the Walser House is at risk of further decay due to legal challenges, including foreclosure proceedings and a reverse mortgage taken out on the property in 2003. Advocacy groups like Preservation Chicago and the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy are pushing for expedited foreclosure proceedings to find a new owner who can stabilize and restore the home.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy emphasizes the urgent need for attention to every part of the house, which requires immediate evaluation and repair. The organization is advocating for the city of Chicago to assist with funding needed to restore Wright’s vision for this landmark building. Time is of the essence as the house is susceptible to environmental conditions and vandalism, making quick action necessary to save this architectural gem.
Stakeholders, lenders, and the community are urged to work together to find solutions quickly and ensure the preservation of the Walser House. With federal and state historic tax credits available for financing repairs, there is hope for the restoration and revival of this historic property. The community’s support is essential in saving this piece of architectural history and bringing it back to its former glory.
