Edward R. Hills House, Chicago

The Edward R. Hills House, also known as the Hills–DeCaro House, embodies a fascinating blend of architectural styles that reflect different periods of Frank Lloyd Wright's illustrious career. Initially built in the late 19th century in the Stick style, the structure was notably transformed by Wright in a 1906 remodel into his signature Prairie style. This modification included the addition of features typical of Wright’s design philosophy during that period, such as horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs with broad overhanging eaves, and windows grouped in horizontal bands. The house is now listed as a contributing property to a federal historic district on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is recognized locally as an Oak Park Landmark.

Over the years, the Hills–DeCaro House has undergone significant changes, including several remodels that have added layers of complexity to its architectural narrative. Wright’s 1906 transformation was particularly dramatic, involving moving the original structure and completely rebuilding it. Further alterations between 1912 and 1965 gradually obscured some of Wright’s intended designs. A major turning point came in 1976 when a fire during a restoration project significantly damaged the structure, necessitating immediate reconstruction and partial restoration, which was further continued by subsequent homeowners.

Today, the Edward R. Hills House stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of Wright’s architectural vision, despite the multiple hands it has passed through and the changes it has undergone. The house not only showcases elements of Wright’s Prairie style but also retains traces of the experimental approaches he employed in the 1890s. Its exterior, finished in stucco with dark wood trim, and the thoughtful addition of two verandas on the first floor during the 1906 remodel, highlight Wright’s unique ability to blend functionality with aesthetic elegance.