Frank Lloyd Wright-redesigned home in Oak Park asks $1.3M

Even in the 19th century, architect Frank Lloyd Wright was in high demand. That explains the unique story and odd provenance of the William H. Copeland House, a palatial Oak Park home featuring a series of renovations and additions by the acclaimed architect that just re-entered the market, asking $1,295,000.

Located on Forest Avenue in the nexus of the Neil Park Historic District, the Copeland House is a rare Wright project that saw the architect renovating another architect’s work (he also remodeled the Peter A. Beachy House and Hills-DeCaro House, also located in Oak Park).

The 1873 structure was originally built for William H. Harman in then-fashionable Italianate style by an unknown architect. In 1908, new owner Dr. William Copeland, a well-to-do surgeon, hired Wright—whose home and office was just four lots down the block—to design a combination coach house and garage. Happy with Wright’s work on that addition, Copeland then contracted him to renovate the main house.

Wright’s proposed Prairie-Style design would be watered down, per Copeland’s wishes, but amid the wrap-around front porch, new tile roof, and reworked interior complete with custom woodwork, there remains touches, such as the low-pitched hip roof and modern interiors, that recall the new style Wright was then popularizing.

Sitting in a yard with 150-year-old oaks in the yard, the 2.5-story home boasts a sizable, 20-by-30 foot kitchen. Agent Steve Northey of Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate says the attic could easily be converted into a great master suite. He hopes a preservation-minded buyer is able to purchase and care for the home.

Previously on sale last year, the property took a $355,000 price cut this time around. Wright fanatics could find themselves in the midst of an historic district featuring a number of designs from the famous architect.