Nathan G. Moore House, Chicago

The Nathan G. Moore House, also known as the Moore-Dugal Residence, is a striking example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural versatility and his ability to cater to the specific tastes of his clients while still imprinting his unique style. Located just a block from Wright's own home and studio in Oak Park, the house was originally constructed to meet the preferences of attorney Nathan Moore, who favored traditional English architectural aesthetics. Completed in the Tudor style, the house features half-timbered upper stories and steeply pitched roofs that evoke a medieval European character, a stark contrast to the Prairie style that Wright was concurrently developing and popularizing.

Despite its adherence to a more conventional style, Wright introduced elements that broke from strict traditionalism. Notably, he added a uniquely designed porch at the front of the house, providing a hint of his innovative spirit amidst the traditional facade. This blend of the conventional with the innovative is a testament to Wright's architectural genius and his ability to balance client desires with his own design principles.

The house underwent significant changes following a fire in 1922 that destroyed the upper stories. Wright was given the opportunity to redesign these levels, and the modifications he made in 1923 marked a departure from the original Tudor revival style. The rebuilt structure incorporated elements typical of Wright's works from the late 1910s and early 1920s, including ornate detailing influenced by Sullivanesque, Mayan, and other exotic stylistic sources. While these additions stayed evocative of Tudor architecture, they also reflected Wright’s distinctive approach to blending different architectural influences. Today, the Nathan G. Moore House remains largely as Wright redesigned it in 1923 and continues to serve as a private residence.