Browse
Log in / Register
Share
The W. Irving Clark house, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in La Grange, IL, is on the market for $1.2 million in 2026. This nearly 4,000-square-foot Prairie-style residence exemplifies successful historic preservation, blending original features from 1893 with significant modern updates. Key conclusions include its pristine condition despite 15 owners, a $1.15 million sale price in 2007 indicating strong value retention, and renovations that enhance livability without compromising architectural integrity, making it a unique opportunity for a preservation-minded buyer.
This five-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is a prime example of Wright's Prairie-style architecture, a design movement characterized by horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and integration with the landscape. The home's historic significance is immediately apparent in its preserved elements. These include the original front and vestibule doors, all hardware, light fixtures in the family room and main hallway, and floor tile in the vestibule. The living and dining rooms feature preserved stained-glass windows, and the home contains four original, working wood-burning fireplaces. A tall front gable with a central Palladian window mirrors a feature found on Wright's own former home in Oak Park, IL.
While honoring its history, the home has undergone substantial updates that bridge the 19th and 21st centuries. The second-floor master suite, expanded from a fifth bedroom in 2008, now includes a steam shower, radiant heating, a walk-in closet, and a dedicated laundry area. The kitchen was remodeled in 2012 with quartz countertops and custom cabinetry, designed to be sympathetic to the home's era despite its larger, modern footprint. Critical infrastructure improvements include a whole-house generator, an in-ground sprinkler system, and a four-zone air conditioning system. A curved back door with pebble glass was custom-made to match the original front door design.
The property's value has demonstrated appreciable growth. It sold for $628,000 in 1997 and for $1.15 million in 2007. The current asking price of $1.2 million in 2026 reflects this upward trajectory. The home is situated in La Grange's historic district, an area originally established as a summer community for affluent Chicagoans. The location offers a 20-minute train ride to downtown Chicago and immediate access to a rejuvenated downtown La Grange, with restaurants, upscale shops, and a renovated theater within a two-block walk. The property is larger than other historic homes on the block, featuring a 2.5-car garage with a former staff apartment above and a screened porch with a ceiling fan and wood flooring.
For potential buyers, the home represents a rare find. Focus on the seamless integration of original and updated elements when evaluating its condition. The extensive, high-quality renovations in the kitchen and master suite significantly enhance daily comfort. Furthermore, the property's location provides both a tranquil historic setting and excellent urban accessibility. Based on our experience assessment, the combination of architectural pedigree, meticulous upkeep, and modern amenities positions this property as a compelling investment in historic real estate.
