Snatch Up This Rare Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed ASB Home For $777K
With a meticulous restoration and fascinating past, this recently documented American System-Built Home in Wisconsin is a true architectural gem.
When Linda McQuillen and her family purchased a decaying Prairie Style home for $100,000 back in 1989, she had no idea that the fixer-upper was actually a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
Yet after extensive research by Frank Lloyd Wright-scholar Mary Jane Hamilton, the property was confirmed in October 2015 to be a previously undocumented American System-Built (ASB) House, and was part of a short-lived affordable housing initiative by the acclaimed architect.
Built in 1917, the stucco house is located in a leafy neighborhood just a few blocks from the University of Wisconsin campus.
First Weber Realtors
In 1927, Madison–based architecture firm Flad and Moulton transformed the original open porch next to the recessed entrance into an enclosed room, which is now a study.
First Weber Realtors
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In the early 1900s, Wright designed over 960 drawings for a series of affordable "system-built" homes that slashed labor and material costs by using a standardization system with factory pre-cut elements.
He had collaborated with the Arthur L. Richards factory in Milwaukee for production. However, it is reported that U.S. involvement in World War I and disagreements with Richards halted production.
A look at the study housed on the south side of the home.
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The living room is connected to the dining room, study, and entrance foyer.
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The horizontal bands of gumwood and the distinctive leaded-glass casement windows—which were restored one by one under McQuillen's care—are trademark features of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ASBH Model AA Series. Joists were also notably placed 24 inches apart, as opposed to the conventional 16-inch measurement.
First Weber Realtors
McQuillen's home, which was originally built in 1917, is the 16th ASB house identified. The lack of a paper trail and modifications to the property in the 1920s—which enlarged the home to a total of 2,460 square feet—had obscured its Wright origins. However, after being respectfully restored and updated for modern living, the three-bedroom, two-bath home has now hit the market at $777,000.
This small dining room was originally the kitchen. The built-in hutch with the leaded-glass windows is an original feature.
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The spacious kitchen, which is located in the 1924 addition, features a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Viking stove.
First Weber Realtors
This glazed porch was a 1924 "non-Wright" addition that overlooks the backyard.
First Weber Realtors
Three bedrooms are located upstairs. Here is one of them, which previously served as a child's bedroom.
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A look inside the third bedroom, approximately 117 square feet in size.
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The master bedroom includes a spacious walk-in closet, as well as plenty of natural light.
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A peek inside the master bathroom that features custom built-ins.
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The master bedroom steps out onto a spacious deck.
First Weber Realtors
The house comes with a fenced-in backyard and a two-car detached garage.
First Weber Realtors
The house also has a finished basement, which includes a den and laundry room.
First Weber Realtors
2107 West Lawn Ave. in Madison, Wisconsin, is now being listed by First Weber Realtors for $777,000.
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