Laura Gale House, Chicago

The Laura R. Gale House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909, is a notable example of the architect's pioneering work during his most productive Prairie style period. Located on a quaint, winding street in Oak Park, the house was commissioned by Laura R. Gale, the widow of realtor Thomas Gale, marking another collaboration between Wright and the Gale family who had previously engaged him to design properties on Chicago Avenue—part of Wright's "bootleg" ventures. The house stands as a testament to Wright's evolving architectural philosophy, blending simplicity with functional elegance, and is constructed from stucco and wood, fitting seamlessly into its narrow lot.

The architectural design of the Gale House is modest yet impactful, with its innovative use of space and structure. The entrance, subtly hidden behind a tall pier, opens into a hall dominated by a massive Roman brick fireplace, which artfully separates the hall from the living room. Built-in shelving and slightly elevated dining room floors, along with dramatically cantilevered balconies, are distinctive features that showcase Wright's skill in integrating interior spaces with external forms. The house's second story, which includes four bedrooms and a maid’s room, is enhanced by a cantilevered balcony that joins the north-facing bedrooms, offering a unique architectural element that presages some of Wright's later, more famous works.

The design significance of the Laura Gale House extends beyond its physical boundaries. Wright himself regarded this residence as the “progenitor of Fallingwater,” a later masterpiece that epitomizes his mature style. This connection highlights the Laura Gale House’s role in the evolution of Wright’s architectural thinking, particularly in its dramatic cantilevered elements. Furthermore, following the publication of Wright’s Wasmuth portfolio in 1910, which included the Gale House, the design made a lasting impression on European modernists, especially those associated with the De Stijl movement in the Netherlands. These architects drew inspiration from Wright’s innovative use of geometric forms and open interiors, which influenced the development of early modern architecture in Europe.

Today, the Laura Gale House remains a cherished landmark, having been meticulously restored by architect Howard Rosenwinkel in 1962 and currently owned by Andrea Kayne and Andrew C. Mead.