Frank Lloyd Wright's spiral house that prefigured the Guggenheim is for sale
The David and Gladys Wright House, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is once again available for purchase at nearly $13 million. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1952 for his son David and daughter-in-law Gladys, this 2,500-square-foot residence showcases a spiral design that foreshadows the Guggenheim Museum. Following the owners' passing in 2008, it was passed down to their grandchildren and subsequently sold to developers, who planned to demolish it. In 2012, Zach Rawling acquired the property with intentions of establishing a museum, but local resistance led him to abandon the idea. He later donated it in 2017 to the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, which utilized it for conferences and student accommodations until their partnership concluded. Now, the house is back on the market at ten times its 2012 value.
Key facts
- David and Gladys Wright House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1952.
- Located in Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona.
- Spiral form prefigures the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York.
- House is over 230 square meters on a former orange grove.
- After owners' death in 2008, inherited by grandchildren and sold multiple times.
- Zach Rawling bought it in 2012 for museum plans, demolished neighboring houses.
- Local residents opposed museum and later school due to commercialization and traffic.
- Donated to Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in 2017, but deal fell through.
- Now for sale for nearly $13 million, up from original purchase price.
- Rawling: 'It's a too special place, it's part of our shared history.'
Entities
Artists
- Frank Lloyd Wright
Institutions
- David and Gladys Wright House
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
Locations
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- United States
- Arcadia
- Taliesin