I've enjoyed the discussion of the Berger house on other threads. It is a wonderfully executed design, and the story of its construction by Mr. Berger is fascinating (as is the saga of the dog house and the recent reconstruction).
Was the house built in stages (original master bedroom area, workspace, and living area built first)? Was the house also designed in stages or was the design changed over time by Mr. Wright and/or Aaron Green?
Special thanks to ekb for the info about your wonderful family home. The home seems to have a remarkable sense of shelter and security from the photos I've studied.
EP
Berger House
Thank you for your interest in our house. The house was built in 2 stages. First as you said the living area which we moved into in 1956 in which all 4 children slept in the future master bedroom and my parents on the couch. Aaron Greene assisted my dad by helping with some details;I have most of the issue paper notes that he did for my dad.
The building of the house was like background noise. I had a great life growing up in a wonderful town doing my thing as a kid, as did my siblings. It is interesting that as adults my 2 brothers and I are accomplished woodworkers(I have remodeled 2 homes and make furniture as a hobby)? People ask if I learned from my father. What I say is it is probably more learned behavior, meaning I wasn't afraid to attempt it because I was around construction daily. As a tribute to the house I grew up in ,my home has few right angles and 18 mitered windows.
It has been interesting reading the discussions about FLW homes and their significance. Needless to say my emotions are high, as we will be giving up our house in the near future. I wonder what will be the legacy of my parents efforts? It is nice to see in the discussion of best floor plans the first house discussed is our house. Countless visitors have expressed how it is one of their favorite homes by FLW.
To get a wonderful understanding of what it was to build the house see Michael Miners film " Romanza". As I've said before my parents story could not be better expressed.
The building of the house was like background noise. I had a great life growing up in a wonderful town doing my thing as a kid, as did my siblings. It is interesting that as adults my 2 brothers and I are accomplished woodworkers(I have remodeled 2 homes and make furniture as a hobby)? People ask if I learned from my father. What I say is it is probably more learned behavior, meaning I wasn't afraid to attempt it because I was around construction daily. As a tribute to the house I grew up in ,my home has few right angles and 18 mitered windows.
It has been interesting reading the discussions about FLW homes and their significance. Needless to say my emotions are high, as we will be giving up our house in the near future. I wonder what will be the legacy of my parents efforts? It is nice to see in the discussion of best floor plans the first house discussed is our house. Countless visitors have expressed how it is one of their favorite homes by FLW.
To get a wonderful understanding of what it was to build the house see Michael Miners film " Romanza". As I've said before my parents story could not be better expressed.
EKB,
Your Mom was so gracious and outgoing to us when my wife and I knocked on her door, total strangers. She invited us in, served us iced tea, and let us sit in the livingroom at our leisure while perusing her scrap books of the history of the house. We'll always remember Gloria with deep affection.
Your Mom was so gracious and outgoing to us when my wife and I knocked on her door, total strangers. She invited us in, served us iced tea, and let us sit in the livingroom at our leisure while perusing her scrap books of the history of the house. We'll always remember Gloria with deep affection.
ekb,
I'm currently teaching my middle school students about the fundamentals of architecture. I've been able to hook them with the delightful story on the doghouse.
Once I get this dialogue going, I do my best to hold their attention so that I hope to get them to understand the value of materials used, and the passion for design. A design idea so important, that a client is willing to work hard and build it with his own hands. Your Father must have been quite the complete man and strong to do that masonry. Your Mother, a daring supporter and a lady.
Unfortunately, there is now way to fully understand or experience a Wright space without entering the door and let the visual music play as you roam.
I thank you for sharing your stories. I hope my students remember how life-changing a house can be to a family such as yours.
BBuck
I'm currently teaching my middle school students about the fundamentals of architecture. I've been able to hook them with the delightful story on the doghouse.
Once I get this dialogue going, I do my best to hold their attention so that I hope to get them to understand the value of materials used, and the passion for design. A design idea so important, that a client is willing to work hard and build it with his own hands. Your Father must have been quite the complete man and strong to do that masonry. Your Mother, a daring supporter and a lady.
Unfortunately, there is now way to fully understand or experience a Wright space without entering the door and let the visual music play as you roam.
I thank you for sharing your stories. I hope my students remember how life-changing a house can be to a family such as yours.
BBuck
The Berger Residence is now on the market for $2.5 million. Needless to say this is a sad time for my siblings and me as the house has been so intertwined in our lives. It will always stand as monument to the love and devotion a husband and wife had for each other and their commitment to carrying out the vision of Mr Wright.
Mr. Wright has talked about a common man doing uncommon things. That was my father and the woman by his side. The 100's of tons of concrete he mixed by hand will stand forever.
Details about the sale will follow.
Mr. Wright has talked about a common man doing uncommon things. That was my father and the woman by his side. The 100's of tons of concrete he mixed by hand will stand forever.
Details about the sale will follow.
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Wrightgeek
- Posts: 1548
- Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:21 pm
- Location: Westerville, Ohio
ekb-
Although this is obviously a difficult time for you, it sounds as though your family had a wonderful life while building and living in your beautiful Usonian home. We should all be so fortunate.
I have only seen the house from the street, which was a treat in itself. Had I known at the time how gracious and accommodating your folks seem to have been towards interested visitors, I might have summoned the courage to knock on the door. But I never have been one to approach Wright homeowners unannounced or without prior arrangements. Kudos to your parents for their welcoming attitude and willingness to share their pride and joy with others.
While I'm sure you will go to great lengths to find a caring steward for your home, I am curious to know if you plan to sell the property with any types of historical easements in order to secure and protect its future.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with the rest of us here on Wright Chat. Hopefully you know how much it is appreciated.
Although this is obviously a difficult time for you, it sounds as though your family had a wonderful life while building and living in your beautiful Usonian home. We should all be so fortunate.
I have only seen the house from the street, which was a treat in itself. Had I known at the time how gracious and accommodating your folks seem to have been towards interested visitors, I might have summoned the courage to knock on the door. But I never have been one to approach Wright homeowners unannounced or without prior arrangements. Kudos to your parents for their welcoming attitude and willingness to share their pride and joy with others.
While I'm sure you will go to great lengths to find a caring steward for your home, I am curious to know if you plan to sell the property with any types of historical easements in order to secure and protect its future.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with the rest of us here on Wright Chat. Hopefully you know how much it is appreciated.
Eric
I can't imagine the feelings. I remember talking to Gloria and her mentioning that soon after the conference in 2003 that she would be needing to move out. She looked sad for a moment, and then brightened up talking about all the great experiences with the house. The house is such a special place...one of the most special places that exist.
I can't imagine the feelings. I remember talking to Gloria and her mentioning that soon after the conference in 2003 that she would be needing to move out. She looked sad for a moment, and then brightened up talking about all the great experiences with the house. The house is such a special place...one of the most special places that exist.
KevinW
Berger house
Our house is listed on luxeryportfolio.com