Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District

The Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District is a historic district in Oak Park with hundreds of residential and public buildings representing multiple architectural movements. The structures include Prairie School residences, Craftsman cottages, and Late Victorian homes that illustrate how architectural styles evolved during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The area grew during the late 1800s as Oak Park transformed from farmland into a prosperous suburban community with new residential development. The district received official recognition in 1983 to acknowledge the architectural importance of its buildings and their role in shaping American residential design.

The George W. Smith House and Unity Temple, both created by Frank Lloyd Wright, demonstrate the influence of Prairie School architecture in this district.

Walking through the neighborhood streets is the best way to see the architectural variety and how buildings relate to each other across the district. Since most structures are private residences, viewing them from the street is the primary way to experience the architectural details and neighborhood character.

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential American architects, designed several of his most celebrated homes in this area, making it a center of innovative architectural history. His presence attracted other talented architects and led to a concentration of major works within close proximity to each other.