Own Frank Lloyd Wright’s 7-Bedroom Heller House: 5132 S. Woodlawn in Hyde Park
This 7 bedroom historic home at 5132 S. Woodlawn in Hyde Park came on the market in May 2019.
Built in 1897, it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Isidore Heller.
To be honest, until I saw the plaque in front of the house, I couldn’t tell from the style it was a Wright because those arches and carvings up at the top threw me off.
Built on a larger than standard 75×175 lot, it has a 2-car garage and an in-law or au pair/nanny apartment with a full kitchen.
It also appears to have the original hitching posts in front of the house (or its something similar, see the picture).
The listing says the house has been renovated several times over the years but it still sports the original elevator which was renovated per the instructions left by Wright for the original owners.
It has extensive woodwork and built-ins and a 2-story wall of art-glass.
The kitchen has wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances as well as four pantries.
There are also four fireplaces.
The house has 3 full baths and 2 half baths and a partially finished basement.
The listing says that the central air was extended throughout the house 2 years ago.
It’s not easy selling Frank Lloyd Wright homes, no matter what neighborhood or condition.
Is the market hot enough to attract a buyer to this historic residence?
Pamela Linn at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.
5132 S. Woodlawn: 7 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, 6100 square feet, 2 car garage
- Sold in February 1995 for $595,000
- Sold in August 2004 for $1.8 million
- Originally listed in May 2019 for $2.2 million
- Currently still listed at $2.2 million
- Taxes of $32,301
- Central Air
- 4 fireplaces
- 75×175 lot
- In-law apartment with second kitchen
- Bedroom #1: 24×15 (second floor)
- Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
- Bedroom #3: 15×16 (second floor)
- Bedroom #4: 18×14 (second floor)
- Bedroom #5: 8×10 (second floor)
- Bedroom #6: 9×11 (third floor)
- Bedroom #7: 8×15 (third floor)
- Family room: 34×14 (third floor)
- Laundry room: 8×11 (main floor)
I think this may be a lovely home, but it’s super difficult to determine with the thousands of personal items and collections cluttering up every square foot of the home. If the sellers removed ALL OF IT, the architecture has a chance to shine through. Additionally, at the $2 million price point, they should be using a professional photographer. This whole listing is ridiculous. Too bad, the home itself looks to be a beauty.
I saw this home several years ago when it was for sale. The house was in great disrepair and the layout was really odd. The rooms were small and the doorways were in odd places. Also, I will never forget the basement. THe owner must have rented space to different students to live downstairs. It was dark, partially finished and musty. Also, he had two large dogs that were caged downstairs and barking the entire time I was in the basement.
I was on the first floor years ago. It’s very formal by FLW standards and perhaps more livable for some – very high ceilings, and SOLID. As a previous owner told me, every family who lived here took a “souvenir” from the house, either furniture, light fixtures or the like.
Three photos into the listing and I feel like running to the bank and seeing if I can get a $2 million loan!
Is it wrong that I’m aroused by this place?
Not sure if it’s worth $2MM but it’s really nice
This house has been on and off the market for years:
https://www.chicagomag.com/real-estate/November-2016/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-Heller-House/