Wright Chat

Lansing State Journal (Jan. 2, 2006)



OKEMOS - The planned auction of the Frank Lloyd Wright home at 1155 Wrightwind Drive never happened.



The auction was first scheduled for Nov. 30, then rescheduled to Dec. 15 after news stories generated more interest in the 3,800-square-foot home.



"The auctioneer from Chicago got snowed in and couldn't make it up," owner Don Schaberg said.



Schaberg said that until details of how to organize a new auction - perhaps by telephone with interested bidders - can be worked out, the sale of his historic house is on hold.



The sale requires an opening bid of $595,000.



Although Schaberg has declined to name his asking price, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Web site lists the home's price as $1.6 million.



"If I sell it, fine; if I don't, I don't," Schaberg said.



"I'll be happy either way."



Schaberg, now in his 80s, has owned the home built by America's most famous architect since 1958.

From the Lansing (MI) State Journal:



"Wright Home in Okemos is No Longer Up for Sale



OKEMOS - A much-touted attempt to sell the Frank Lloyd Wright home at 1155 Wrightwind Drive is over, says Don Schaberg, the home's owner.



He said none of the bids met his minimum price. The sale required an opening bid of $595,000.



Although Schaberg wouldn't disclose his asking price, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Web site listed the home's price at $1.6 million.



Schaberg, now in his 80s, has owned the home built by America's most famous architect since 1958.



Schaberg said last week that he's content to continue living in his family home.



"We can't change the things that are meant to be or that aren't meant to be," he said."

... And what's the deal with that guard tower looming over the house? I know it wasn't part of the original design and it sure doesn't look like anything that John Howe would have designed!

Don built the tower himself as a play area for his children. He is almost as proud of it as of the house. I don't know who did the design, but it had nothing to do with Taliesin.

Don designed the tower himself. Quite a cool thing to have for the kids.

Don designed the tower himself. Quite a cool thing to have for the kids.

Don designed the tower himself. Quite a cool thing to have for the kids.

Sorry for the multiple posts...