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Situated approximately 10 miles west of Chicago along the Des Plaines River,
the 1907 Coonley Estate is widely thought to be one of architect Frank Lloyd
Wright's finest commissions from his Oak Park period. In 2000, the present
owners launched a full-scale restoration of the Main House’s exterior and
interior spaces. Work included stucco repair, historic paint analysis,
recreated murals and skylights, and the restoration of over 150 leaded glass
doors and windows.
The second-story living room pavilion overlooks a Prairie-style reflection
pond, which was excavated and accurately recast based on historic
documentation. This meticulous restoration extended out onto the grounds as
well, where the owners have brought back Jens Jensen's 1913 landscape plan.
The result of their four-year endeavor is a true period restoration that
allows the viewer to see the Main House as the original owners would have
experienced it.
Photos: Dean Eastman
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