Uncertain Future for Historic Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Chicago After Foreclosure
A historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood is facing an uncertain future following a foreclosure. Known as the Walser House, this 120-year-old Prairie-style structure is one of only five remaining in the city. Ownership recently transferred to a mortgage company that has yet to announce plans for the much-needed repairs to the neglected property.
The Walser House has been vacant and deteriorating since 2019 and was listed among Chicago’s most endangered historic buildings in March. Financial troubles began in the late 1990s when then-owner Anne Teague secured a reverse mortgage on the property. By 2023, foreclosure proceedings were initiated, and a year later, PHH Mortgage, based in New Jersey, assumed the mortgage.
The foreclosure sale on December 1 aimed to find a preservation-minded steward for the home. However, with a minimum bid set at $240,000—far exceeding its $65,000 appraised value—local preservation groups, including Austin Coming Together and Ansco Construction, were unable to meet the high bid. Restoration costs are estimated to exceed $2 million.
PHH Mortgage has not commented on whether it plans to restore the property or sell it to someone who will. The house, suffering from years of neglect, faces ongoing deterioration. Crumbling stucco and damaged wood trim are just a few of the issues. In June, Chicago’s Building Court mandated the mortgage holder to install tarps to protect the foundation.
The Walser House’s landmark status prevents new construction on the site if demolition occurs through neglect. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy remains committed to ensuring that PHH Mortgage addresses the home’s declining state, particularly with winter approaching.
Commissioned by Joseph Jacob Walser, a printing executive, the house exemplifies Wright’s early Prairie style design, featuring horizontal lines, deep eaves, and an open floor plan with built-in furniture. Built after Austin’s annexation to Chicago and near Oak Park—Wright’s home and studio location—the two areas have since diverged, with Oak Park thriving and Austin experiencing economic challenges.
Richard Whiddington
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