This Arizona Property Is One of the Nation's Most Famous

The Grand Canyon State Was Home to Renowned Architect Frank Lloyd Wright

Arizona’s most notable former residents span from Alice Cooper to Stevie Nicks, but did you know that the Grand Canyon State also housed a particularly illustrious architectural icon? Frank Lloyd Wright put down roots right here in Scottsdale, where he constructed one of his most famous builds. Let’s dive into a little slice of Wrights’ history as well as some Taliesin West, his Southwestern wonder. 

Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Wisconsin in 1867 and raised primarily in Madison. Amidst his parents’ divorce and resulting financial issues, an 18-year-old Wright began working in the University of Wisconsin’s department of engineering alongside his studies. Wright was certain of his potential as an architect so, in 1887, he made the move to Chicago and found success at some of the nation’s top firms.

Two short years later, Wright began designing his first home in Oak Park. The property reflects his interest in line, shape, and volume, and it quickly caught the attention of locals. Wright began accepting commissions shortly thereafter and eventually opened his own architecture firm. 

Wright spent the next fifteen years defining and popularizing his signature Prairie style. These homes incorporate a long, low structure that mirrors the prairie. They often have open floor plans, connected indoor and outdoor spaces, and an emphasis on geometry. 

After securing success in the States, Wright traveled and worked overseas, finding international fame. After a period lacking both creativity and commissions, he took up lecturing, writing, and even created an apprenticeship program, the Taliesin Fellowship.

Then, finally tired of the midwest winters, he moved to Arizona in the 1930s. He accomplished some of his best works, including Fallingwater and the Herbert Jacobs house, and built Taliesin West, his phenomenal permanent home in Scottsdale. Wright continued working well into his 80s and passed away in 1959, just shy of 92.

Taliesin West

While Chicago’s Robie House and Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel may be some of Wright’s more well-known works, his iconic Arizona abode is nothing to scoff at. Taliesin West is Wright’s crown jewel and a property that is sure to delight. Wright’s home, studio, and school, Taliesin sits in the rural foothills of Scottsdale and offers stunning views, events, and educational programming, and some of the best examples of Wright’s exploratory work.

The project began when Wright purchased 100 acres of land and set about creating a sprawling desert utopia. The structure was built with local materials, prioritized natural light, and its decor and furnishings were designed by Wright and crafted by his apprentices.

Wright continued migrating to Taliesin West to escape the midwest winters until his death in 1959. Today, the property continues to host members of both the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and School of Architecture, and a few former apprentices who had the privilege of working under Wright himself still live on the grounds. To experience the desert magic, you can stop by for a tour or even host an event. 

Architecture and Real Estate

So, how exactly does this architectural icon apply to your real estate practice? We promise we’re building up to something! Understanding and appreciating local architecture can help you become a more informed and helpful agent, even if your client isn’t shopping around for a Wright original. Taking some time to learn about and reflect on different architectural styles can help you steer clients to the right home, whether they want a Prairie or Post-Modern abode. 

Plus, in-depth knowledge of your market is critical as an agent. Arizona’s real estate market is quickly heating up, so there’s no better time to grow your knowledge, build on your career, and differentiate yourself from the competition.