Exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Architectural Gems in Minnesota
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Wisconsin and designed many iconic houses in the Upper Midwest. There are several remarkable buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities. Below is a curated list highlighting some of these architectural masterpieces.
The Malcolm Willey House, 255 Bedford Street SE, Minneapolis
The Malcolm Willey House was constructed in 1938 in Prospect Park, Minneapolis. This modest, single-family home is regarded as a prototype for Wright’s notable Usonian style houses. Although the house once had a view of the Mississippi River, this was unfortunately obstructed by the construction of the I-94 freeway in the 1960s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Willey House, which is privately owned, underwent restoration recently and is currently occupied by its owners. Open-house events are occasionally held, and prospective visitors can check for updates through the house’s official website.
Frieda and Henry J. Neils House, 2801 Burnham Boulevard, Minneapolis
The Neils House is situated in west Minneapolis, overlooking Cedar Lake. This residence is recognized for its unique use of marble and stone walls, alongside aluminum window framing, which is atypical for Wright’s designs. Built in 1950, the house exemplifies the Usonian style and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Neils House remains privately owned and is inhabited by members of the Neils family. Unfortunately, it is not open for public tours.
The Paul Olfelt House, 2206 Parklands Lane, St. Louis Park
Constructed between 1959 and 1960, the Paul Olfelt House showcases a dramatic sweeping carport visible from the street. This family home is also privately owned and is not open to tours.
Fasbender Clinic Building, 801 Pine Street, Hastings
The Fasbender Clinic was built between 1957 and 1959, serving as a medical clinic until 1966. Located at the junction of Highway 55 and Pine Street in Hastings, this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places to preserve it from impending destruction due to the construction of Highway 55. The design incorporates innovative and intricate polygonal shapes, embodying Wright’s “inward house” style, with a copper-clad roof that extends nearly to the ground.
Currently, the building has changed ownership multiple times and is now owned by Edward Jones Investments, where it functions as an investment and financial services office.
Donald and Virginia Lovness Estate, 10121 83rd Street N, Stillwater
This estate was constructed in 1957 and features a two-bedroom home with a separate cottage on a sprawling 20 acres of lakefront property. In 2010, it was listed on the market for $2.4 million. The Lovness Estate is privately owned and is not accessible to the public.
Francis Little House (Originally Deephaven, no longer at original location)
Commissioned by Francis Little, this summer home at Deephaven was designed to overlook Lake Minnetonka and was built in 1914, marking it as one of Wright’s significant prairie-style residences. Following years of occupancy by the original owner’s family, the property faced challenges with rising property taxes and was eventually sold in 1972 to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Much of the structure was dismantled and reassembled at the museum, while parts remain in Minnesota, including the library, which is housed in the Allentown Art Museum, Pennsylvania.