Ben Rose House, International Style house in Highland Park, Illinois.
Description
The Ben Rose House is a 1950s residence with steel framing and expansive glass walls that hovers on pylons above a natural ravine setting. The structure merges open interior spaces with the surrounding landscape and includes a separate pavilion added later for additional living quarters.
History
The house was designed in 1953 by architect A. James Speyer, a student of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, for textile artist Ben Rose. A second pavilion was added in 1974, and in 2017 an underground level was incorporated to expand the original layout.
Culture
The house became known through cinema when it appeared in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off as the father's garage location. Many visitors recognize the spaces from this well-known movie scene.
Practical
The property sits on a natural slope, so visitors should be prepared for varied elevation levels when exploring the grounds and outdoor areas. Taking time to walk slowly around the site helps you appreciate how the spaces connect with the surrounding landscape.
Did you know?
Beneath the main house sits a 15-foot deep underground space that was secretly excavated in 2017 to serve as a garage, storage area, and children's play zone. This hidden component remained invisible for decades and demonstrates how later owners adapted the house for contemporary needs.
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