Wright Chat

https://www.compass.com/listing/993403174678184241/view

It's not by Wright; its not on TAA's list at Avery; the millwork and window/door details are pitch perfect; the overall massing is good; an odd combination of CMU and board and batten; perfs seem a little odd in proportion; the dentil'd fascia seems top heavy (possibly capped?); the LR fireplace is too deeply set and symmetrical; the house needs a lotta lovin'!!!

This has to have been architect designed by someone who knew Wright's means and methods inside and out. A former apprentice or someone who was very sensitive to Wrightian design sensibilities and materials and assemblies appears to have been involved.

Sadly, this will likely be torn down.

Whenever HUD is involved, it is wise to tread carefully.

Nice house ... in desperate need of a deep-pocketed rescuer.

This is where the need for a broader-type conservancy could come into play. A non-profit that could potentially step in and act as middle-man to purchase buildings such as this, as well as saving TAA, apprentice and other Usonian-type/non-Wright buildings until a rescuer could be found.

Of course, this is all a huge pipe dream as there would need to be a very large fund available to tap into at a moment's notice.....and, there is no groundswell anywhere to organize and try and make that happen.


David

1961. Roof material: rubber. "Eligible bidders: owner occupants, nonprofits & government agencies only, from 3/2/22 bids due by 3/6/22 by 11:59 pm cst then daily until sold."

Original condition. Unpainted interior CMU surfaces.

S

Interesting house. Much to like.
Looks like they used 12" board and batten vertical height units, which clash with the 8" CMU units.
The living room clerestories seem to be 3' vertical heights, and the front-facade perforated windows at 2' heights.
I don't think we've seen this in Wright or apprentice work––those type windows seemingly never taller than 16", right?

Fascinating details ... four (only 4) rather interesting perfs in a hallway? ... fine dentils ... both of which suggest the work of an apprentice, but the strangest detail is the LR fireplace ... almost hidden away in a progressively narrowing concrete block cavity with barely room for a chair. What was he thinking?

Barney Hill Road?

Barney and Betty Hill (not the Rubbles) were the first widely publicized alien abductees.
It happened in 1961 in New Hampshire the same year the house was built. Frank liked to doodle those personalized flying saucers...

Maybe Allan Gelbin?

Thanks for that...
I checked Allan Gelbin’s archive. No match.
https://aic-web-cms-uploads.s3.us-east- ... inarch.pdf

What about Jim Thompson? I know this house doesn't follow Wrights details closely like the Barney hill house, but it has the chunky Facias and big/tall clerestories, plus it's in Massachusetts. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandho ... 9866-34115