Historic Frank Lloyd Wright Home Gifted to Chicago University (original) (raw)

A historic Chicago residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is joining the campus of Loyola University Chicago, as part of a donation by its billionaire owner, Jennifer Pritzker.

The 2,950-square-foot Emil Bach House, as well as an adjacent home, known as the Lang House, have been gifted to the university by Tawani Property Management, founded by Pritzker, which has stewarded the buildings for nearly a decade. In that time, the group offered tours of the structures that have also served as event spaces and vacation rentals.

Upward view of the Bach House’s architectural details, highlighting overhanging eaves and geometric wooden elements.

The Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers/Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

“We take great pride in having brought countless families and loved ones together through our homes,” said Kimberlee Carr, Tawani’s COO of real estate, in a statement. “While these homes were truly iconic, it is an even greater honor to donate them to a local institute that deeply understands the value of preservation and meaningful purpose.”

Built for the president of the Bach Brick Company, the Emil Bach House is a prime specimen of Wright’s prairie-style homes. Emerging from his principle of “organic architecture,” these designs emphasized their forms, made visible in their cubic silhouettes and signature overhanging slab roofs that housed large interior spaces. When the Bach residence was completed in 1915, it boasted walnut furnishings throughout and a clear view of Lake Michigan from its rear porch.

Interior of the Bach House featuring a fireplace, wooden furniture, and a stained-glass lamp.

Inside the Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers/Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

The design is the only one of its kind left standing in Chicago. It was declared a Chicago Landmark in 1977 before it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

In 2010, Pritzker, through Tawani, snapped up the property for $1.7 million and commenced a major restoration. Sections of yellow brickwork were repaired and a pool room built by a previous owner was converted into a tea garden in homage to Wright’s admiration for Japanese art and culture (he first traveled to the country in 1905). It reopened for tours and events in 2014.

Bedroom in the Bach House with large windows framed by wooden accents, offering a green outdoor view.

Inside the Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers/Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, in a statement, acknowledged Tawani’s “meticulous stewardship of the Emil Bach House and steadfast support of the Wright community.” In 2022, the organization conferred on Pritzker its Wright Spirit Award, which recognizes property owners for their efforts in preserving Wright’s Legacy.

Not far from the Bach residence is the Lang House, another landmark from the same era, designed by architect Edgar M. Newman (who briefly crossed paths with Wright when they worked at the architectural firm Adler and Sullivan in the 1880s). Built in 1919, it bears an Arts and Craft style, with a symmetrical design, stucco exterior, and expansive eaves. Inside, the building is decorated with mosaicked walls, hardwood floors, leaded-glass windows, and Arts and Craft-style murals.

Tawani acquired the Lang House in 2005 for $1.32 million and oversaw a restoration of the space.

Bach House at night, illuminated warmly, with its iconic design blending into the surrounding landscape.

The Emil Bach House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo: Eric Allix Rogers/Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

“Emil Bach House and Lang House Chicago have a long-standing connection with Tawani Property Management,” said Pritzker in a statement. “This donation is intended to further Loyola University’s mission, enhance its campus infrastructure, and underscore TAWANI’s enduring commitment to supporting the community and fostering educational growth.”

While the homes are located nowhere near Loyola’s campus, the school is working to incorporate them into its activities, serving as “hubs for student programming, community events, and transformative experiences,” according to Tom Neitzke, interim vice president for advancement at Loyola.

“Recognizing their significance to the neighborhood,” said Christian Anderson, the university’s assistant vice president for communication, in a statement, “Loyola is committed to maintaining the homes’ historical and community value.”