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Presented by Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

The Ultimate Wright Experience in Chicago

Apr. 19th, 2016

Each year thousands flock to the historic Chicago suburbs of Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois to make one of the most comprehensive pilgrimages in the world of architecture and design. Located just under 10 miles from downtown Chicago, Oak Park and River Forest boast the highest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world, most of them privately owned.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Once a year the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust hosts Wright Plus, a festive all-day housewalk during which attendees are allowed inside these astonishing private homes, and can view interiors designed by Wright and his contemporaries.

Dubbed “the mother of all housewalks,” Wright Plus offers rare tours inside these homes, but for an intimate group of those looking for the best of the best, the Trust offers Ultimate Plus. This extended weekend package, May 19-22, offers exclusive access to a number of one-of-a-kind architecture and design events, and includes accommodation.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Wright Night - Kick-off to an All-Access Weekend

The 4-day Ultimate Plus experience begins with the invitation-only Wright Night, hosted in the spectacular light court of The Rookery Building, an early Chicago skyscraper. The elegant evening features private tours of the building, including its Vault and Burnham Library, the room where the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition was planned. Guests mingle in the luminous Wright-designed central light court, adorned with white Carrara marble and featuring some of Wright’s trademark fixtures, as they enjoy cocktails and live music.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Private Passage to Wright in Racine

Among the exclusives for Ultimate Plus is an immersive day trip to Racine, Wisconsin, home to the innovative S.C. Johnson Campus, the only existing corporate headquarters designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Great Workroom with its original furniture is one of the great workspaces of our time.

The neighboring 15-story Research Tower, designed by Wright in 1944, is a throwback to the days of labs with beakers and scales, in a surprisingly forward-looking building.

Ultimate Plus guests have a special invitation to tour the privately owned Thomas P. Hardy House. This rarely open 1905 Prairie school home recently underwent a full restoration. Mark Hertzberg, author and photographer of three Frank Lloyd Wright books, joins guests for their tour.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Wright Plus Housewalk

The weekend’s main event is the internationally renowned Wright Plus Housewalk, the “crown jewel” of Wright-related experiences. The housewalk’s home base is, appropriately, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park, the site of the first twenty years of his career. Enjoy tours with commentary inside nine private homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his fellow Prairie School architects. The Ultimate Plus package comes with a special Fast Pass that gives guests priority access into the homes.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Trace the arc of Wright’s Prairie years as you immerse yourself in homes that exude design innovation and history. Ultimate Plus guests enjoy exclusives such as a special luncheon and access to the Winslow Coach House, once home to the Auvergne Press, publisher of The House Beautiful, a manifesto that Wright designed.

Exclusively Wright Dinners

Three private Wright homes open their doors to host Exclusively Wright Dinners after the housewalk, featuring tours and gourmet cuisine prepared by acclaimed Chicago chefs.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

The classic Arthur B. Heurtley Residence hosts award-winning Chef Andrew Zimmerman of the Michelin-starred restaurant Sepia. Zimmerman has received national recognition for his complex dishes that combine modern American and traditional European cuisines.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Over at the Rollin Furbeck House, Chef Melissa Elsmo demonstrates her artful approach. A star of the Chicago supper club scene, Elsmo’s multicourse meals have people waiting months to snag a seat at one of her intimate events.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Completing this talented trio is Chef Gale Gand, cookbook author and host of the Food Network’s long-running show “Sweet Dreams.” An award-winning pastry chef, Gand will set up at the warm and inviting Peter A. Beachy House.

Experience what it’s like to live in a work of art as you enjoy a gourmet culinary experience and great conversation.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

Tour an Icon of Architecture

What better way to conclude an unforgettable weekend than with a private tour of Wright’s Prairie style masterpiece? Named one of the 10 most significant structures of the twentieth century, the Frederick C. Robie House is an icon of early modern architecture. Take in its horizontal lines and long spans of vibrant art-glass windows while exploring amazingly contemporary spaces designed over a hundred years ago.

This incredible package is served up with the ultimate in personal attention. Hotel accommodations at the deluxe Carleton of Oak Park, transportation, and gourmet meals are also included.

Seats can be reserved at flwright.org. Contact Lisa Braithwaite at lbraithwaite@flwright.org or 312.994.4012 for information.

Ultimate Plus Weekend Package | From $2,700
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, 209 S. LaSalle St, Chicago, IL

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust presents programs that inspire through interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design legacy and preservation of his original sites for future generations. Wright Plus and Ultimate Plus support the education, restoration and preservation programs of the Trust.

 

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust

The mission of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust is to engage, educate and inspire the public through the architecture, design and legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright, and preserve its historic collections. The Trust conducts ongoing historic preservation and operates public tours, programs and events at major Wright sites in five Chicago area locations: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (1889/1898), 951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL; The Rookery Light Court (1905-07), 209 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL; Unity Temple (1905-08), 875 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL; Frederick C. Robie House (1908-10), 5757 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL; and Emil Bach House (1915), 7415 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL....(Read More)