A modified (almost ruined) historic Frank Lloyd Wright home is for sale

[Melensdad]

I have been by this home many times on motorcycle rides.

One of the original exterior porches has been completely removed. Another porch was remodeled, badly. The kitchen was 'upgraded' at some point to make it awful. The original, a beautiful FLLW signature woodwork, which was installed by true craftsmen, has mostly be painted over. Wallpaper that is atypical of anything one would expect in a home of this vintage was added.

Such a shame. But for roughly 3/4th of a Million dollars you can be the new owner.

I'd guess at least another $250,000 to rebuild it to close to original condition, maybe more. Good luck, when you buy it, but I live close enough that I'll come over to help you fix it up.

687 S Harrison Ave, Kankakee, IL 60901 | MLS #12002117 | Zillow

This 3277 square feet Single Family home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is located at 687 S Harrison Ave, Kankakee, IL.

www.zillow.com

 

[Melensdad]

At least the outside looks good, and a couple rooms retain close to their original woodwork.

But the balusters are clearly not original, and the white . . . and the paneling, and drop ceilings. . . double hung windows and bathrooms . . . ugh

 

[FrancSevin]

I might be interested. I love a challenge.
But,,,,,; It is in Illinois.

No Thanks

 

[bczoom]

How/why wouldn't the previous owners retain its prestige. It looks terrible.
My neighbor when I was a kid new FLLW personally. IIRC, Wright built several houses and buildings for his family's long dissolved company that was second only to Sears back in the day.

Larkin Company - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Melensdad]

There is (maybe was?) a big Larkin building in Joliet, which is a Frank Lloyd Wright design, the next north from this house that is in Kankakee.

 

[bczoom]

Larkin consented and Wright received his first commercial commission, the Larkin Administration Building which was completed in 1904 and accommodated 1,800 corresponding secretaries, clerks, and executives.[4] The Larkin Administration Building was demolished in 1950.