Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Gregor Affleck House, by Frank Lloyd Wright

1925 North Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills, MI

While in Detroit last weekend I had the opportunity to view the exterior of the Gregor Affleck House designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Built in 1940 this Usonian design is wedged into the side of a hill with its living area cantilevered over a small stream bed. The house achieves special significance as an example of Wright's pre-World War II Usonian residential designs.

Frank Lloyd Wright's argument that modern cities were no longer habitable led him to develop his solution for urban problems-- Broadacre City. Wright used "Usonia" as his substitute for the reformed, future "America" of Broadacre City, and he used the Usonians as his solution to the "small house problem." These Usonians-- and in particular the pre-World War II designs-- were a direct response to the changes in the lifestyles of his clients and their needs for a low-cost but satisfying dwelling.

The Affleck House was listed on the National Register on October 3, 1985

For other photographs and descriptions of Frank Lloyd Wright homes go to Citywide Services

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