Wright Chat

Looks like the Winn house is for sale by owner for $200,000.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2822- ... 0016_zpid/

Jay

This is an unfortunate house. The white washed walls, the white drop ceiling and the insensitive remodeling really robs this house of much of it's former character. From what I've read it's been like this for quite some time.

hoo-wee! what happened here?

I wonder if a family member now owns the house. I do know most of the furnishings were sold at auction back in the late 1990s. I can't believe that someone who originally built a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright would now have one of those hideous basin sinks.

This house was never very good. The collection of historic photos makes it look worse than the current set. That plush carpet, the ceiling, the color scheme. All of it is unfortunate. But I don't think the ceiling is dropped; I think it is as designed. Compared to Levin, McCartney and Brown nearby, it doesn't have much to offer.

Craig, I don't think the Winn family owns it. When the FLWBC visited (exterior only), I believe it was being rented out.

A low, white, textured ceiling has injured many a mid century design. It's strange to see this from Wright, or any of his apprentices for that matter. The rest is not that unusual, and probably possible to remedy: bad paint, color choices, remodeled bathrooms, etc.

But what about that ceiling?

"Sweeney White. The color of death." FLLW

I think once concrete block is painted its appeal is lost forever. Even the cheapest block has a textural interest to the organic eye. Once it's slathered in paint it looks utilitarian at best.

Right-

The best hope is to add another coat of matte flat grey (or whatever color the original block was. The only thing worse than a painted block is one painted with glossy paint...

Does anyone have the floorplan to post? I don't think we can "write-off" this house because of its finishes. The 40's-50's Usonians can have a subtle charm, i.e. the skylight over the "dining table" is a wonderful touch. And the house has the cachet of being part of the Kalamazoo development.

Are all the floors covered in Carpet? The Black and White tile, I assume is found in the lower level only?

Think the carpet is covering past repairs of the Gravity heat system?

What material is found on the floor at the entry? Is it a painted concrete Mat?

Have no fear ... someone just needs to buy this house and hire "outside in" to bring this house back!

Jay

jhealy wrote:Have no fear ... someone just needs to buy this house and hire "outside in" to bring this house back! Jay

Excellent idea!

The biggest issue is one of economics for the buyer.