Dana-Thomas House

Dana-Thomas House
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Name	Dana-Thomas House
Location	Springfield, Illinois
Architect	Frank Lloyd Wright
Client	Susan Lawrence Dana
Built	1902-1904
Governing body	National Park Service
Added	1975

Dana-Thomas House. The Dana-Thomas House is a historic house designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright for socialite and women's rights activist Susan Lawrence Dana. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the house is considered one of the most important works of Frank Lloyd Wright's early career, showcasing his unique Prairie School style, which was influenced by architects such as Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham. The house was built between 1902 and 1904, during a time when Wright was also working on other notable projects, including the Willits House and the Westcott House.

● History

The Dana-Thomas House was commissioned by Susan Lawrence Dana, a wealthy socialite and women's rights activist, who was a prominent figure in Springfield, Illinois society, known for her support of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Dana was a close friend of Frank Lloyd Wright's mentor, Louis Sullivan, and had previously worked with Wright on several other projects, including the Hickox House and the Barnes House. The house was designed to be a showcase for Wright's innovative design style, which was influenced by the works of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. During its construction, Wright worked closely with Dana to ensure that the house met her needs and reflected her personality, which was shaped by her involvement with the Theosophical Society and her interest in Eastern spirituality.

● Architecture

The Dana-Thomas House is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School style, characterized by its long, horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and open floor plan, which was influenced by the works of Walter Gropius and the Bauhaus school. The house features a unique blend of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts elements, with intricate woodwork and decorative details, similar to those found in the works of Gustav Stickley and the Craftsman movement. The house's design was also influenced by the natural surroundings of Springfield, Illinois, with Wright incorporating elements of the local landscape, such as the use of Illinois limestone and prairie grasses, into the design. The house's architecture has been compared to other notable works of Wright, including the Robie House and the Westcott House, which were also designed during this period.

● Preservation

In 1975, the Dana-Thomas House was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, recognizing its significance as one of the most important works of Frank Lloyd Wright's early career. The house has undergone several restoration projects over the years, including a major restoration in the 1980s, which was led by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house is now owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which offers tours and educational programs, similar to those offered by the Taliesin West and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The house has also been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Council on the Arts for its architectural significance.

● Tours and Events

The Dana-Thomas House offers guided tours, which provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Susan Lawrence Dana. The house also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including lectures, concerts, and art exhibitions, which are similar to those hosted by the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Visitors can also explore the house's beautiful gardens, which were designed by Wright and feature a variety of native Illinois plants, similar to those found in the gardens of the Biltmore Estate and the Hearst Castle. The house has been visited by numerous notable figures, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Gates, who have all been influenced by the works of Wright and the Prairie School movement.

● Significance

The Dana-Thomas House is significant not only for its architectural innovation but also for its historical importance, as it reflects the social and cultural values of the early 20th century, including the influence of the Women's Suffrage movement and the Progressive Era. The house has been recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Institute of Architects as one of the most important works of Frank Lloyd Wright's early career, and it continues to inspire architects and designers around the world, including I.M. Pei, Frank Gehry, and Zaha Hadid. The house's significance has also been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has designated it as a World Heritage Site, along with other notable works of Wright, including the Taliesin West and the Robie House. The house remains an important part of Springfield, Illinois's cultural heritage, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for architects, designers, and historians, including those at the University of Illinois and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Category:Historic houses in Illinois