Robie house
N 41° 47.384 W 087° 35.750
16T E 450492 N 4626602
The Pene-ultimate Prairie house located on the University of Chicago campus.
Waymark Code: WMFJ7
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 06/24/2006
Views: 174
The Robie house was commissioned by a successful bicycle manufacturer and inventor on a narrow corner lot. The house extends along a single horizonal access with a cantilevered roof which extends a full 20 feet beyond the masonary supports. The various porches and balconies provide access to the outside on various levels have been compared to the prow and decks of a ship. The hidden front door cannot be seen from the street.
Inside, the Robie house was revolutionary in having no walls or partitians to break the flow of space through the living room, dining room and central stairwell. The chimney serves as a screen rather than a divider and the space continues into diamond-shaped bays on either end of the house. The ground floor consists of a children's playroom, a billiard or recreation room and the boiler room and laundry. The walled courtyard was an extension of the children's playroom.
Unfortunately, only a couple of years after the completion of the house, Mr. Robie's father died and the Robies had to sell the house to pay off debts and take over the family business. The house has had a succession of owners and uses over the years and has fended off serious threats of demolition a least twice thanks to grassroots protests on an International scale.
Finally, the house was donated to the University of Chicago and is currently operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. The Robie house is one of the 17 structures by Wright designated by the American Institute of Architects as most worthy of preservation and exemplifys his contribution to American culture.
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A major restoration was begun in 2001 and the house is open for tours throughout the process. Interior photography is not permitted.
Year Completed: 1910
Commissioned By: Frederick C. Robie
Nearest City or Town: Chicago, IL
Public/Private: Public
Tours Available?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the building or house to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.