210 Forest Ave.: Frank W. Thomas House (1901)

Wright got it right with this house!

This early Prarie School home is, I think, the street's best example of the Prarie School of architecture. Let me count the ways...

1) The entryway is public, yet discourages unwelcome visitors and embraces guests in its asymetric placement and "pathway to discovery".

2) Built on a slab, the first floor is the "basement". Wright hated basements because they were dark, dank, and seldom used. Yet an above grade space dedicated to many of the same functions is a distinct improvement.

3) The banding of windows on the second and third floors, with a generous assist from the hip roof give the building it's horizontality.

4) The leaded glass windows add needed light and much beauty yet keep prying eyes out.

5) The porch! OMG, the porch!!

6) This is Wright's first fully stucco house. It's light, airy, flexible, durable. Kudos Frank!

7) The green trim is an earthy reminder tying the building to its environment. I love this shade of green I call it "Frank Lloyd Wright Green". Iconic.