Visual Traveler: Chasing Frank Lloyd Wright II

I toured FLW's winter home and architectural school in Scottsdale, AZ - Taliesen West -while visiting an artist friend, a number of years ago. Established in 1937, this World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark reflected efforts by Wright, himself, and his apprentices over many years. 

I loved its natural rock walls, long horizontal lines and expansive windows. Indoor lights glowed amid those walls and a warm color palette juxtaposed with deep blue across Wright-designed furnishings. It seemed there was little need for hanging artwork because of natural elements incorporated across the massive building's footprint. 

Above: Touring Taliesen West

That same visit provided an opportunity to explore public space at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Though not crafted by Wright, the 1920s hotel commissioned by Warren and Charles McArthur reflected their brother, Albert Chase McArthur's strong architectural homage to Wright's design aesthetic. In fact he even paid $10,000 to the renowned architect in exchange for permission to use Wright's block design - although it turned out Wright didn't own the patent. The property opened with grand fanfare, in 1929.

In the small Iowa town of Quesqueton, I encountered Cedar Rock (see above; tours by reservation). One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most complete designs, it was built as a private home for Lowell and Agnes Walter. And nearly every detail of this impressive brick home bears his mark - from ceiling-level planters to a dark, narrow wood-walled hallway that led to several bedrooms which continued Wright's architectural patterns.

During my tour, natural greenery abounded in the 'public space,' and banquette seating invited relaxation, while massive skylights and many floor-to-ceiling windows ushered in plenty of natural light plus views of surrounding trees. Brick and tile floors complemented large, pale area rugs and an enormous fireplace. This property is also known for the Wright-designed boat ramp and adjacent building, below the home and beside the Wapasipinicon River.  

In 1981, Lowell Walter bequeathed Cedar Rock to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the State of Iowa, which have maintained it ever since. Learn more about FLW sites available for visits here. 

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this area during my visit, specific details may have changed.