Neighborhood leaders and Frank Lloyd Wright conservators say they're cautious about a buyer's decision to preserve an important Arcadia landmark, but all agree it is a step in the right direction.
Last week, the Gladys and David Wright House, southwest of 56th Street and Camelback Road, appeared to be in jeopardy as prospective buyers had plans to redevelop the 2 acres. The house was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright for his son David.
David Wright House | Frank Lloyd Wright homes
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy responded by requesting historical designation for the building from the city of Phoenix to stave off demolition, at least temporarily.
The plans to redevelop remain, but officials with 8081 Meridian, the company that owns the property, say they plan on working with the city and the conservancy to preserve the home.
Janet Halstead, executive director of the conservancy, said she is pleased that the buyers have no plans for demolition.
She said discussion about the house with the buyers, Steve Sells and his business partner, John Hoffman, of 8081 Meridian, will begin this week.
Sells told the The Republic last week that he initially was unaware of the home's significance.
A number of people came forward last week in support of preservation, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
Halstead said an outpouring of response to the group's concern was a key.
"It's great news, and preservation is the right thing to do, and we're looking forward to discussing our recommendations about the future of the house with the buyers," she said. "Furthermore, the response from the Phoenix community, preservation groups, designers and the mayor's support of Midcentury Modern architecture in this dialogue has been invaluable in getting to this point."
Arcadia neighborhood leader Paul Barnes said the buyers could still technically tear down the house, but there would be tremendous pressure if they decided to do so.
"I'm not being negative, but there's still more work to be done," Barnes said. "However, the response was quick and substantial. It was a successful first step, but there are still other steps to be taken."
The Gladys and David Wright House is part of Wright's rich legacy in Arizona, where he spent a great deal of his working life, designed residences in the Valley, Taliesin West in Scottsdale and ASU Gammage, an auditorium on the school's Tempe campus.
He built the Arcadia home in the early 1950s. David and Gladys Wright lived there for more than 40 years.
Key features of the residence include a spiral plan, spiral ramps and elevated living quarters. The circular style is featured in New York's Guggenheim Museum, one of Wright's most famous works. The elevated living quarters take advantage of breezes, making it suitable for desert living.
Thomas A. Payton, a Phoenix architect who studied at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, said he's pleased to hear the buyers want to save the building.
"This house stands out among Wright's best residential works and has historical significance because of its unique design specializing in the Arizona desert," Payton said.
by Philip Haldiman - Jun. 20, 2012 02:20 PM The Republic | azcentral.com
Phoenix neighbors cautious about buyer's decision to preserve Wright home
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