Description
The Duey and Julia Wright House in Wausau, Wisconsin, is a remarkable example of the late residential work of the influential American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (though he did not live to see the building completed).
Origins & Commission
In the mid-1950s, Duey E. Wright and his wife Julia—neither of whom were related to the architect—commissioned Wright to design a home for them in Wausau. The Wrights owned a music store and school in the community, and the design of the house reflects both the family’s interests and Wright’s mature style.
Design & Construction
The house was designed in 1957 and constructed in 1958–59.
It is in the Usonian style which Wright developed: modest in scale relative to his larger commissions, designed to harmonize with the site, used cost-conscious materials, and focused on a more democratic vision of residential architecture.
However, this house is larger than many typical Usonians: about 4,337 square feet on the main floor, with further space underneath due to the steep site overlooking the Wisconsin River.
The footprint of the house is L-shaped and is often said to resemble a musical note — a subtle design nod to the Wrights’ music business.
The materials include concrete block walls, natural wood finishes (mahogany, teak), clerestory windows, generous overhangs, and extensive glazing to frame views of the river and terrain.
Significance & Later History
Because the house represents one of Wright’s late residential works and embodies his Usonian ideals in a somewhat expanded form, it has been recognized as historically and architecturally significant. It was listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1999.
Over the years, it has remained in the Wright family (descendants of the original clients) and has been maintained with attention to preserving the original design.
Because it is a private residence, public tours are generally not available, but its exterior and context remain visible to the community and architectural enthusiasts.
Gallery
