A New Architectural Marvel
Construction has recently been completed on a new Frank Lloyd Wright house in Willoughby Hills, a significant event considering the legendary architect passed away in 1959.
Photo courtesy Sarah Dykstra
The Story Behind RiverRock
Named "RiverRock," this house is not just a home but a passion project. It represents what many believe to be Wright's last residential home design. The story begins in the 1950s when Louis Penfield commissioned Wright to create a home for his family overlooking the Chagrin River. When plans for I-90 threatened the original design, Penfield sought Wright's help for a second design to be built nearby. However, as Wright aged, he had more work than he could handle, and the second home was never constructed.
Years later, after Wright's death, the plans for the second house were discovered in his office and sent to Cleveland. In 2018, Sarah Dykstra acquired the Louis Penfield House, which included the original plans for Project #5909. Although Penfield had begun collecting materials from the river, the project remained unfinished.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Dykstra and her partners committed to completing the project, navigating through permits and modern building codes while collaborating with Wright experts. Dykstra emphasized, "When we set out to build this home, we mandated that any necessary changes due to current regulations should be made discreetly, ensuring the house retains its original aesthetic as intended in 1959."
Thanks to the dedication of the construction team, they successfully delivered a stunning home that pays homage to Wright's vision.
Experience RiverRock
Frank Lloyd Wright's RiverRock is now available for rental, along with the Penfield House. Take a mini tour and experience this unique architectural gem yourself!
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!