Elizabeth Murphy House

The Elizabeth Murphy House is a single-story Frank Lloyd Wright residence in Shorewood featuring two bedrooms, a brick fireplace, and birch trim throughout its open living areas. The floor plan demonstrates Wright's approach to organizing residential spaces around daily activities and natural light.

Construction began in 1917 as an American System-Built Home Model A203 when Elizabeth Murphy purchased the property as an investment. It was part of Wright's effort to develop efficient, affordable housing designs that could be built systematically.

This residence demonstrates how Wright believed homes should connect indoor living with the natural landscape around them. The open layout and use of natural materials shape how the space feels during a visit.

The house retains its original design while incorporating modern updates such as double-pane windows and an attached garage. Visitors should note how the contemporary additions integrate with the structure without altering the core layout.

The house remained largely unrecognized as a Wright design for decades until 2015 research confirmed its authenticity. This late recognition reveals how many of his early homes faded from architectural memory before being rediscovered.

GPS coordinates: 43.08526,-87.88350

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09