PHOENIX

Frank Lloyd Wright house recommended as Phoenix historic landmark

Brenna Goth
The Republic | azcentral.com
People listen to opposition during a Historic Preservation Commission vote on whether to designate the Frank Lloyd Wright House a landmark in Phoenix, AZ on November 16, 2015.
  • The Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission recommended Monday to list the Wright house as a landmark
  • Six acres of land are included in the recommendation
  • Opponents asked for a lesser historic protection

The Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission voted Monday to recommend an Arcadia home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright be listed as a historic landmark, in the first city vote on a controversial plan to open the house to the public.

The commission voted 7-2 to designate 6 acres surrounding the 1952 David and Gladys Wright House as significant, going beyond what the city's historic preservation staff recommended for the land.

The vote is the first of many on a designation that would allow owner Zach Rawling to apply for a special permit to open the home for tours and events under a separate city application. The City Council has the final say on both requests.

Dozens of attendees at the meeting where the vote took place debated whether the house deserves to be listed among Phoenix's 15 landmarks, and how much land should be included in that designation. The commission heard nearly two hours of comments from supporters and opponents of Rawling's plans, many wearing large stickers reading “David Wright House supporter” or “Preserve Arcadia.”

Rawling sought the designation for roughly 6 acres of land, a parcel he created after purchasing the home and several surrounding lots. About 2 acres on the north part of the site were never owned by the Wright family.

A report by Phoenix historic preservation staff found the Wright house meets landmark criteria for its visual uniqueness, cultural significance, age and integrity. But the report recommended limiting the boundaries to the 3.67 acres once owned by the Wright family. The additional acreage is now mostly dirt, was never associated with the Wrights and could create confusion by suggesting it was, said report author Kevin Weight.

Rawling argued at the meeting for designation of his full request, saying that planting citrus groves on that land would restore Wright’s vision for the home he designed for his son. The site is dependent on the interplay between the house, citrus groves and mountains, Rawling said.

His supporters emphasized the site’s potential as a cultural amenity for Phoenix. Many said including the entire 6 acres would help restore the openness of the site while preventing encroaching development.

“We now have the opportunity to make this home a gift to the community,” said Sarah Levi, a descendant of Wright and the house’s first scholar-in-residence.

Opponents asked the commission to consider effects on the Arcadia neighborhood if commissioners supported landmark designation. Some contested the historic significance of the land not owned by the Wrights that is envisioned to become outdoor event space, one contentious aspect of Rawling’s vision for the property.

Many Arcadia residents said they appreciate the house but favor a lesser historic designation that would protect it without allowing tours and events.

“You can save the house either way,” said Jim Furcini, representing the Arcadia Community Association, an opposition group.

The Historic Preservation Commission recommendation will be one of several given to the City Council before its vote. Rawling’s application will next go before a neighborhood planning committee.

TIMELINE: SAVING THE WRIGHT HOUSE