American System-Built Homes

The '''American System-Built Homes''' were modest houses in a series designed by [[architect]] [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]. They were developed between 1911 and 1917 to fulfill his interest in [[affordable housing]] but were sold commercially for just 14 months. The Wright archives include 973 drawings and hundreds of reference materials, the largest collection of any of single Wright project. Wright cancelled the project in July 1917 by successfully suing his partner Arthur Richards for payments due and didn't speak of the program again.<ref>{{Cite web | title = The Homes: Model B1, 2714 West Burnham | work = Wright in Milwaukee | publisher = Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Tourism Heritage Program | year = 2010 | url = http://www.wrightinmilwaukee.org/TheHomes/ModelB12714WestBurnham/tabid/69/Default.aspx | access-date = 11 June 2010 }}</ref><ref name="Hayes">{{cite book |last1=Hayes |first1=Nicholas |title=Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten House |date=1 April 2023 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |isbn=9780299331801 |url=https://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/5939.htm |access-date=2 November 2023}}</ref> The designs were standardized and modular, so customers could choose from one hundred and twenty nine models on seven floorplans and three roof styles.<ref name="Hayes" /> Most materials were prepared and organized at Arthur Richards' lumber yard, so there was less waste and specialized labor needed for construction.<ref name="USA06072015">{{cite magazine |last=Bleiberg |first=Larry |date=June 7, 2015 |title=10 Great: Frand Lloyd Wright Homes |magazine=[[USA Today]] }}</ref> Milled and marked materials were delivered to the work site for cutting and assembly by a carpenter. Windows, doors and some cabinetry were built at the yard. Frames, shelves, trim and some fixtures were cut and assembled on site. Most wood parts had a part number and corresponding instructions and drawings for joining, fit and finish. Richards' yard also supplied plaster, concrete, paint and hardware.<ref name="Hayes" /><ref name="wim">.

{{Cite web | last = Lilek | first = Michael | title = The American System-Built Homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Frank Lloyd Wright's earliest system of low-cost housing | work = Wright in Milwaukee | publisher = Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Tourism Heritage Program | year = 2005 | url = http://www.wrightinmilwaukee.com/History/tabid/62/Default.aspx | access-date = 11 June 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100523150147/http://www.wrightinmilwaukee.com/History/tabid/62/Default.aspx | archive-date = 23 May 2010 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }} </ref>

To minimize materials and job site labor, Wright used twenty-four inch (on center) distances between studs and oversized joists and a commercially available, pre-milled structural lath called "Byrkit" to bridge unsupported sections.<ref>"How to Build a Warm, Strong, Dry House", Byrkit-Hall Sheating Lath Co., 1890, Retrieved 8 Oct 2024, https://archive.org/details/HowToBuildAWarmStrongAndDryHouseByrkitsPatentSheathingLath</ref> These choices enabled standardized 21-1/2" wide casement windows from 26 to 64 inches high to be hung between studs without need for headers.<ref name="Hayes" /> Oversized 12 by 2 inch floor and ceiling joists and Byrkit lath are key identifying features in the search for Wright's ASBHs lost or forgotten.

Many extant homes remain in private hands and an ad hoc homeowners group gathers to share ideas.<ref>"ASBH Owners Organize", https://elizabethmurphyhouse.com/2021/03/09/asbh-owners-organize-and-invite-others-to-join-in-stewardship/, Retrieved 10 Jan 2024.</ref> Six structures are located in a federal historic district in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]], Wisconsin, and others have been designated [[Chicago Landmarks]] in [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]], Illinois.

== Background and history == In 1911, Arthur L. Richards and a partner contracted with Frank Lloyd Wright to design a hotel in [[Lake Geneva, Wisconsin]] and Richards learned of Wright's idea to offer a family of residential housing designs that would share style, parts and pieces.

In 1914, the young architect [[Russell Barr Williamson]] joined Frank Lloyd Wright's studio and was tasked as the main draftsperson on the project. Williamson kept a register of models and features and was responsible for creating and issuing the construction drawings required by a contractor to build a house, when one was sold.<ref name="Hayes" /><ref>Elias, Juanita M. "Prairie School Architecture in Milwaukee, Russell Barr Williamson". (Masters Thesis, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1974</ref>

In 1914-15, Richards purchased four designs and built six buildings in a demonstration neighborhood and investment in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], now called the "Burnham Block", for short. In 1916, Wright and Richards signed a commercial contract giving Richards the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the homes and Wright the job of design and specification.<ref name="Hayes" /> Richards sold [[franchising|franchises]] to market the homes and planned to allow only approved [[General contractor|contractors]] to build them, though some homes were built independently. Richards had offices in [[Milwaukee]], the [[Chicago]] area, [[Champaign, Illinois|Champaign]], [[Decatur, Illinois|Decatur]] and [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]]. The customer purchased a completed home, sometimes directly from The Richards Company, or alternatively, from speculators to whom Richards had sold plans and materials.<ref name="wim" /><ref name="Hayes" /> In July, 1917, Wright, dissatisfied with Richards, fearing loss of intellectual property, and with World War I as cover, sued for nonpayment of royalties and fees, and the project came to an end, though the court found that home construction started before ruling could be completed.<ref>"Frank Lloyd Wright vs. The Richards Company". Dane County Circuit Court Case Files. [[Wisconsin Historical Society]].</ref><ref name="Hayes" />

Williamson was let go or left Wright's studio when the project was cancelled and then teamed with Richards to continue designing and selling [[Prairie School]] and more conventionally designed homes using standardized practices under the short-lived brand "American Renaissance Homes", Richards Real Estate and other companies. Wright, meanwhile, walked away from Prairie Architecture to focus on and finish his [[Imperial Hotel, Tokyo]] project and transition his own designs to include Mayan and Asian influences.<ref name="Hayes" />

It is believed that about 25 System-Built Homes were constructed, but only 12 are known to have survived. They can be found in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.<ref name="wim" />

== Prototype Burnham Street Historic District, Milwaukee ==

{{Infobox NRHP | name = Prototype American System Built Homes-Burnham Street District | nrhp_type = hd | nocat = yes | image = Wright_Model_F_Duplex.jpg | caption = Model F Duplex | locmapin = Wisconsin#USA | map_caption = | coordinates = {{coord|43|0|38|N|87|56|55|W|display=inline,title}} | location = [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]] | built = 1914 – 1915 | architect = [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] | architecture = [[Prairie Style]] | added = September 12, 1985<ref name=nris>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=85002166}}|title=NRHP Inventory/Nomination: American System Built Homes-Burnham Street District|publisher=[[National Park Service]]|author=Shirley du Fresne McArthur|date=1985-01-15|access-date=11 June 2010}} With {{NRHP url|id=85002166|photos=y|title=22 photos.}}</ref> | area = {{convert|0.5|acre}} | designated_nrhp_type = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | refnum = 85002166 | mpsub = }}

Six demonstrator homes were built speculatively in the Burnham Park neighborhood of Milwaukee by Arthur Richards in 1915-16 and were added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|title=American System Built Homes-Burnham Street District|date=January 2012 |url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR1887|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref> There are four model 7a [[Duplex (building)|duplex]]es, a model B1 [[bungalow]],<ref name="wiw">{{Cite web | title = The Homes | work = Wright in Milwaukee | publisher = Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Tourism Heritage Program | year = 2010 | url = http://wrightinmilwaukee.org/Default.aspx | access-date = 11 June 2010 }}</ref> and a model C3 bungalow. It is the only grouping of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes that includes both duplexes and single-family dwellings. Three of the homes have been purchased by the Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin Program. The B1 bungalow was restored in 2010, with one of the duplexes to follow. They are located in the 2700 block of West Burnham Street, at South Layton Boulevard.<ref name="wim" /><ref name="hdsr">{{cite web | title=Historic designation study report - American System Built Homes Historic District|url=http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/cityHPC/DesignatedReports/vticnf/HDAmerSys.pdf| date=Jan 8, 2001| publisher=City of Milwaukee Department of City Development}}</ref>

Richards' Burnham Block served as a testing ground for Wright's ideas, informing the formal contract and branding that ramped up starting in 1916. Therefore, details found in the prototype homes and the commercial homes are different. Elements found in the Burnham block but not in commercial homes can be seen as experimental. Elements found only in commercial homes can be seen as refinements of the system.<ref name="Hayes" />

[[File:2714 W Burnham Model B1 Bungalow Wright.jpg|thumb|2714 W Burnham St Model B1 bungalow, taken August 2017.]]

[[Image:Wright System3 Milw Apr09.jpg|thumb|right|Three of the six American System-Built Homes in the Burnham Street Historic District, [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin|Milwaukee]], Wisconsin]]

Prototype American System Built Homes in the Burnham Street District:<ref name="wim" /> * '''Arthur L. Richards Duplex Apartments''' - referred to as either "Model 7a Duplexes", "Model C" or "Model F" - 4 units, 3 identical units (2720-2730 West Burnham), the 4th unit (2732-2734 West Burnham) is a mirror image. The second house from the west has been converted to a single family home. Built 1915.<ref>{{cite web|title=Richards Duplexes|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI110551|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref> * '''Arthur L. Richards Small House''' - "Model B1" or "Cottage B"<ref name="hdsr" /> located at 2714 West Burnham Street. Built 1915.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arthur L. Richards House|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI72870|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref> * '''Richards Bungalow''' - "Model C3" or "Cottage A"<ref name="hdsr" /> located at 1835 South Layton Boulevard. Built 1915.<ref>{{cite web|title=R.E. City and Frank Huschek House|url=https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI66131|publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref> This house was resurfaced in precast coral stone veneer in 1956.

== The Munkwitz Apartments, Milwaukee ==

The '''Arthur R. Munkwitz Duplex Apartments''' were pair of four-unit apartment buildings built in 1916. The Munkwitz Duplexes were based on an American System-Built Homes plan and constructed on 1102-1112 N. 27th Street under the supervision of [[Russell Barr Williamson]]. They were demolished in 1973 to widen the street.<ref name="wim" />

== Commercial American System-Built Homes in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa ==

Commercial ASBHs are homes started under the Wright-Richards contract and built by contractors to Wright's specification with material supplied by Richards.

Single story, single family units: * '''Lewis E. Burleigh House''' - [[Wilmette, Illinois]] (1915) * '''Ida and Grace McElwain House''' - [[Lake Bluff, Illinois]] (1915) * '''The [[Elizabeth Murphy House]] (A203)''' - [[Shorewood, Wisconsin]] (1917) * '''Stephen M. B. Hunt House II''' - [[Oshkosh, Wisconsin]] (1917)

Two story, single-family units: * '''[[Wilbur Wynant House]]''' - [[Gary, Indiana]] (1916) * '''Oscar A. Johnson House''' - [[Evanston, Illinois]] (1917) * '''A.B. Groves House (AA202)''' - [[Madison, Wisconsin]] (1917)<ref>{{cite web |title=2107 W. Lawn Ave. |url=https://wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI94707 |website=Architecture and History Inventory |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date=19 May 2025}}</ref> * '''Delbert W. Meier House''' - [[Monona, Iowa]] (1917) * '''Charles Heisen House''' - [[Villa Park, Illinois]] (1917)

== Chicago Landmark homes == [[Image:Guy C Smith House Front.jpg|thumb|right|Guy C. Smith House]][[Image:H Howard Hyde House Front.jpg|thumb|right|H. Howard Hyde House]]On July 13, 1994, the [[Mayor of Chicago|Mayor]] and [[Chicago City Council|City Council]] of Chicago designated two System-Built Homes as [[List of Chicago Landmarks|Chicago Landmark]]s. Built in 1917, they are located at 10410 (the '''Guy C. Smith House''') and 10541 S. Hoyne Avenue (the '''H. Howard Hyde House''').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/landmarksweb/web/landmarkdetails.htm?lanId=1241|title=American System-Built Houses|access-date=2011-07-13|publisher=City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Landmarks Division}}</ref> The first, at 10410 Hoyne, was intended to be the first of a subdivision of the homes and was built and sold speculatively. Both the Smith and Hyde Houses are two story, single-family units.

== Suspected but not verified == [[Image:Thomas E Sullivan House SE View.jpg|thumb|The Thomas E. Sullivan House]]

In 2008, Wright scholar, [[William Allin Storrer]] unveiled his controversial 29 undiscovered Frank Lloyd Wright works. One of these houses was the '''Thomas E. Sullivan House''' at 336 Gregory Avenue in [[Wilmette, Illinois]], next door to the Burleigh House at 330 Gregory Ave. In 1989, Storrer had previously identified the 1916 house as the work of [[John S. Van Bergen]] even though the residence does not appear in Martin Hackl's complete catalog, ''The Works of John S. Van Bergen, Architect''. In his 2008 findings, Storrer revised his claim, then stating that the Sullivan House was actually an American System-Built Home with a dining room addition by Van Bergen.<ref name=Storrer> {{Cite web | last = Storrer | first = William A. | title = The 29=30 discovered works | work = FLLW Update | year = 2008 | url = http://www.franklloydwrightinfo.com/ | access-date = 11 June 2010 }}</ref> Excluding the alleged addition, the main block of the Sullivan House is nearly identical to that of the Wynant House; only the entrance and garage orientation, a missing bedroom above the garage, and differences in trim details distinguish these two residences. Storrer's assertion is further substantiated by a drawing from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation which shows Model D-101 with the Sullivan House entrance and without the Wynant House garage wing.<ref> {{Citation | last = Wagner | first = Andrew | title = There is Too a There There Too: Gary, Indiana | newspaper = Dwell Magazine | page = 74 | date = December 2000 | url = http://www.chameyer.net/DwellMAG1200.pdf | access-date = 11 June 2010 }}</ref>

Storrer also identified three potential single-story American System-Built Homes in [[Berwyn, Illinois]]. One, the '''Chester Bragg House''' (1916), is located at the 6644 34th Street at the corner of Wesley Avenue and has a Model B1 plan.<ref name=Storrer/><ref> {{Cite web | title = 6644 34th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 | work = BlockShopper Chicago | year = 2010 | url = http://chicago.blockshopper.com/property/16312320010000/6644_34th_street/ | access-date = 11 June 2010 }}</ref>

== See also == * [[List of Frank Lloyd Wright works]] * [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin]] * [[List of Chicago Landmarks]]

== Notes == {{reflist}}

== References == * {{Cite Wright Companion}} (S.200, S.201, S.202, S.203, S.204) * Hayes, Nicholas Dale. ''Frank Lloyd Wright's Forgotten House''. University of Wisconsin Press, 2021, {{ISBN|9780299331801}}

==External links== {{commons category|American System Built Homes}} * [https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/frank-lloyd-wrights-burnham-block Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block] on [[Atlas Obscura]] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090326230406/http://wrightinmilwaukee.com/Default.aspx Wright in Milwaukee] * [http://www.chameyer.net/600fillmore.html 600 Fillmore, Gary, Indiana] * [http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O:AD:E:6459&page_number=15&template_id=1&sort_order=1 Plan of model C3] * [https://elizabethmurphyhouse.com The Elizabeth Murphy House] * [http://www.dgunning.org/architecture/Wisc/richbung.htm Richards Bungalow on dgunning.org] * [http://www.appraisercitywide.com/content.aspx?filename=CustomPage50.x H. Howard Hyde House] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20091107050232/http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Illinois/Hyde_House/hyde_house.htm H. Howard Hyde house on peterbeers.net] * [http://www.dgunning.org/architecture/Illinois/hyde.htm H. Howard Hyde house on dgunning.org] * [http://www.appraisercitywide.com/content.aspx?filename=CustomPage54.x Guy C. Smith House] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20091107050213/http://www.peterbeers.net/interests/flw_rt/Illinois/Guy_C_Smith_House/guy_c_smith_house.htm Guy C. Smith house on peterbeers.net] * [http://www.dgunning.org/architecture/Illinois/gsmith.htm Guy C. Smith house on dgunning.org] * [http://www.mediaarchitecture.at/architekturtheorie/broadacre_city/2007_broadacre_city_image_16_en.shtml Frank Lloyd Wright 'American System-Built Houses' (American System Ready-Cut) 1911 - 1917, ONLINE SOURCES:] * [https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/WI0260/ 2720 West Burnham Street in the Library of Congress] * [https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Image/IM113956] is an example of Wright's plans and drawings that the Wisconsin Historical Society has online. To see others, enter "American System-Built" in the Search at the top of that page.

[[Category:1910s architecture in the United States]] [[Category:Beverly, Chicago]] [[Category:Chicago Landmarks]] [[Category:Frank Lloyd Wright buildings]] [[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Wisconsin]] [[Category:Houses in Chicago]] [[Category:Houses in Milwaukee]] [[Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Wisconsin]] [[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Milwaukee]]