Robert P. Parker House, Queen Anne residence in Oak Park, United States
The Robert P. Parker House is a Queen Anne style residence in Oak Park featuring two prominent octagonal towers and expansive windows throughout. Inside, the four-bedroom home contains a central fireplace serving the parlor and dining room, along with custom wood cabinetry and restored original elements including leaded glass windows and decorative stenciling on the walls.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed this house in 1892 while employed by architect Louis Sullivan, leading to his dismissal for taking on unauthorized outside work. The construction marked a turning point in Wright's career as he began developing his own design philosophy before moving toward his later Prairie School approach.
The residence reflects how people organized their homes and social spaces during the late 1800s, with design choices that reveal daily habits and household practices. Architectural details like the leaded glass and stenciled walls show the decorative tastes of the era.
The house is open for visitors to explore the restored rooms and original architectural details at a comfortable pace. It helps to allow time to notice the craftsmanship throughout the home and appreciate how the spaces connect to one another.
The home features a separate, dimly lit staircase that was originally intended only for household staff, contrasting with the bright and prominent main staircase. This physical separation shows how social divisions were built directly into the design of living spaces.
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