Article: Usonian in IL based upon Alvin Miller

[SDR]

Thanks, Jjen, and welcome. There's nothing like hearing from the central figure in any of these projects -- the homeowner.

Anything else you'd like to tell us about your most interesting home, we'd be glad to hear. I see you've already acquired the only requisite: a healthy sense of humor . . . !

SDR

[Jjen]

I have only known about Wright chat for a few years. I was told about it buy the owners of the Sunday House in Marshalltown, Ia. I wish I had been aware of it when I was thinking of starting this adventure. i learn something all the time here. I truly enjoy living in this house but when I visit A real FLW home it just shows you how well everything is so well thought out, amazing! I would be glad to answer any questions you all might have.

[Paul Ringstrom]

Jjen,
Are you open to having visitors? I regularly travel down I-80 from Iowa to Illinois and would love to stop by on our next trip. Drop me an email (see below), if you are interested.

[JimM]

Jjen,

Your home is beautiful. Anyone who undertakes such a project with enthusiasm and honest intent deserves credit. It's difficult to stand in judgement with this particular effort, and actually, I wouldn't considerate it necessary to even place too much comparison with Miller as basis for its success. Surely one of the nicest "inspirations", as far as I'm concerned.

There are picayune critiques....such as the terminal end with no carport. IMO, the three window substitution seems to be an unresolved solution. At least there's no garage in its place! The canted but lonely masonry wall; was it to relieve a perceived effect of the wall length behind it? Mechanicals, trash? A little longer and (squarely) wrapped just past and around the corner might have improved this view (eave "floating" above and beyond the masonry). Adapting a similar entry approach along the wall as Miller (and many Usonians) might have defined the composition better.

Regardless, and as Frank would say, "That counts you one".

Congratulations, and enjoy your dream house.

[SDR]

I'm very pleased that we've had visits from owners of homes that we've chosen to discuss. It's a big benefit to our knowledge and understanding of "Wright and like" constructions. Jjen has been exceptionally forthcoming -- and modest -- about what has been accomplished with this home.

SDR

[Jjen]

Hello JimM, Yes the carport bedroom windows never quite sat well with me. It is the only thing I could come up with. It got its inspiration from Coonley house playroom. The canted masonry wall I just built last spring, 2011. I was attempting to shorten the length of the wall and tye the corner to the ground. Again its alittle off with me also. The landscaping was just planted so I hope it will fill in the area better. I do like your idea for the reworking of the canted end. I welcome comments on the house. I wish I'd had Wright-minded people to bounce ideas off of when I was building.

[Paul Ringstrom]

My wife and I visited Jeff and Amy's house yesterday and I can say that the photos do not do it justice. I have been in many apprentice-designed houses that are not nearly this nice.

If you are in the area, I encourage you to contact Jeff and go see his home.

Here is the book that Jeff self-published on his house: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2496090

[Michael Shuck]

Paul is exactly right. The photos of Prairie Bluff posted here are nice but they really don't do it justice...I haven't been to the Jensen's home but my copy of his book "Prairie Bluff" arrived today. The photographs in this book really do tell a story. Many more views of the house than were posted are here the book's pages. It's available for purchase from Blurb. It's not a thick book but it does give a far richer visual explanation than the few pics here. It's a lovely book about real people who wanted a beautiful but affordable home... where have we heard that theme before?