Avery Coonley House
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, the Avery Coonley House blends Prairie and Usonian styles, once a kindergarten, now a private residence.
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Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for exterior views
Avery Coonley House
Best Time
Best light for exterior views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, the Avery Coonley House blends Prairie and Usonian styles, once a kindergarten, now a private residence.
"This Frank Lloyd Wright hybrid Prairie/Early Usinion home is beautiful."
Respect Private Property
Remember this is a private home. Admire from the street and do not trespass. :housewithgarden:
Drive-By Views
The best way to experience the Avery Coonley House is a scenic drive-by. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exterior Architecture
Admire Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Prairie and Usonian styles blended into a stunning residential masterpiece.
Original Stained Glass
Glimpse remnants of the original, intricate stained glass designed by Wright, a hallmark of his work.
Former Children's Playhouse
See the unique structure originally built as a kindergarten, showcasing Wright's adaptability.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
A Private Masterpiece
Wright's Favorite Residential Design?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Private Property
Remember this is a private home. Admire from the street and do not trespass. :housewithgarden:
Drive-By Views
The best way to experience the Avery Coonley House is a scenic drive-by. :car:
Architectural Significance
Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian and Prairie styles before your visit. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Private Property
Remember this is a private home. Admire from the street and do not trespass. :housewithgarden:
Drive-By Views
The best way to experience the Avery Coonley House is a scenic drive-by. :car:
Architectural Significance
Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian and Prairie styles before your visit. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Avery Coonley House as an architectural masterpiece, often citing Frank Lloyd Wright's genius and its unique history as a kindergarten. While its status as a private residence limits access, the exterior views are highly regarded, with some lamenting the loss of original stained glass but appreciating the remaining elements. The property's grandeur and historical significance are consistently highlighted.
"Nothing much to say here. It’s an amazing property and I wish they hadn’t subdivided it. Another FLE masterpiece."
David Stejkowski
"This Frank Lloyd Wright hybrid Prairie/Early Usinion home is beautiful. It was originally known as The Avery Coonley Playhouse. Although Mrs. Queene Feery Coonley commissioned, helped plan and paid for this Playhouse as well as the original Avery Coonley Compound, which sits approximately a block away.
Built for Mrs. Queene Feery Coonley in the early 20th century as a Kindergarten for her and others' children, it was remodeled into a single family dwelling less than 10 years after being built.
Recently the room in back which once contained a small foot pool or fountain for children has been transformed into a bedroom or possible den, the remnants of the fountain looking as if they have been removed. This does make more room for a standard bedroom, but detracts from Mrs. Feery Coonley amd Mr. Wright's original design.
Some of the original iconic stained glass was removed and is displayed at The Art Institute of Chicago, high grade copies taking their place in the home. Some of the original glass work still exists in the house amd the children's kitchen, complete with ice cream and soda equipment still exist from the original build as does much of the original cabinets. I hope whoever buys this masterpiece keeps the original kitchen the way Mr. Wright built it.
The garages need some attention, one attached and one free standing. I believe one of these was once used as a studio. It would be wonderful if this is brought back to life as it was.
The Avery Coonley Playhouse is not open to the public, but is, at the time of this writing for sale."
MaryLC Lc
"I think it must be a private residence but if you’re in Riverside it’s worth stopping and having a look. FLW apparently said this was his favorite residential design."
John Nelson (Jónico)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Avery Coonley House is located in Riverside, Illinois. It's best accessed by car, offering a scenic drive-by experience. Parking is typically available on nearby streets, but be mindful of residential parking regulations.
While public transportation can get you to Riverside, the house itself is in a residential area. You may need to walk a bit from the nearest train station or bus stop. Consider ride-sharing services for the final leg.
Since it's a private residence, the best way to view the Avery Coonley House is by driving by. This allows you to appreciate its exterior architecture without disturbing the occupants.
Riverside, Illinois, has other notable architecture and parks. Consider exploring the historic downtown area or nearby natural spaces for a fuller experience of the town.
The house is situated in a well-established residential neighborhood. GPS navigation is highly recommended to find the specific address and navigate the local streets effectively.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Avery Coonley House is a private residence and is not open for public tours. Visitors can only admire its exterior from the street.
As it is a private home, there is no admission fee. You can view the exterior freely from the public street.
There are no official visiting hours as it's a private residence. However, daytime hours are best for viewing the exterior architecture.
No advance booking is necessary since you can only view the exterior. Simply plan your drive-by at a convenient time.
The Avery Coonley Playhouse was originally built as a kindergarten and has since been remodeled into a private residence. It is no longer a public playhouse.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the street directly in front of the house, allowing you to capture its full facade and architectural details.
No, photography inside the Avery Coonley House is not permitted as it is a private residence.
While you can photograph the exterior from the street, be respectful of the property and its residents. Avoid intrusive photography.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the entire house. A telephoto lens can be useful for details if you're at a distance.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for exterior photography. Midday can be harsh.
🎫 🏛️ Architectural Details
The Avery Coonley House is a significant example of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School and Usonian architectural styles, blending harmoniously with its surroundings.
The Avery Coonley House was designed by the renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Originally built as a kindergarten, the Avery Coonley Playhouse features unique design elements for children, including a small pool and child-sized kitchen equipment. Some original stained glass is also a notable feature.
Yes, some original stained glass work still exists within the house, particularly in areas like the children's kitchen. High-grade copies have replaced some removed pieces.
Commissioned by Mrs. Queene Feery Coonley, it began as a kindergarten and was later remodeled into a single-family dwelling. Frank Lloyd Wright considered it one of his favorite residential designs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Point out the unique architectural features that might appeal to kids, like the geometric patterns that could be seen as abstract art. Discussing its past as a 'playhouse' can spark imagination about what it was like for children in the early 20th century. It's a great opportunity for a brief, educational drive-by that highlights architectural history.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the details that showcase Wright's genius, such as the original stained glass remnants and the thoughtful spatial arrangements. Researching the history of the house as both a kindergarten and a private residence will deepen your appreciation for its unique evolution. Consider visiting other Frank Lloyd Wright sites in the Chicago area to contextualize this particular gem within his broader body of work.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Chicago
Combine your visit with exploring other architectural gems in Riverside or enjoying the town's parks. Since it's a private residence, your visit will be focused on appreciating the exterior. This makes it an ideal stop that doesn't require a large time commitment, fitting well into a broader day of exploration in the western suburbs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright's innovative use of materials and spatial arrangement is also a hallmark of the Avery Coonley House. The design often features open floor plans, natural light, and built-in furniture, all contributing to a sense of flow and harmony. The original commission for Mrs. Queene Feery Coonley as a kindergarten highlights Wright's ability to adapt his genius to various needs, creating spaces that were both inspiring and functional for children.
It's particularly noteworthy that Frank Lloyd Wright himself reportedly considered the Avery Coonley House his favorite residential design. This high praise from the architect underscores the significance and success of this particular project in his prolific career. While the house is now a private residence, its architectural merit continues to draw admiration from enthusiasts and scholars alike.
From Playhouse to Private Residence
However, the structure's purpose evolved relatively quickly. Less than a decade after its construction, it was remodeled into a single-family dwelling. This transformation involved adapting the spaces for adult living, including the conversion of the former pool area into a bedroom or den. While these changes made the house more suitable for residential use, they also altered some of the original design intent.
Today, the Avery Coonley House remains a private residence, meaning its interior is not accessible to the public. However, the historical significance of its past as a unique architectural playhouse, combined with its current status as a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, makes it a point of interest for architecture aficionados.
The Enduring Appeal of Stained Glass
In the case of the Avery Coonley House, some of the original stained glass has been removed and is now displayed at The Art Institute of Chicago. However, the house still retains some of its original glasswork, particularly in areas like the children's kitchen. Where original pieces were removed, high-grade copies have been installed to maintain the integrity of Wright's design. This preservation effort ensures that the spirit of his artistic vision continues to be appreciated.
The presence of original stained glass, even in part, offers a tangible connection to the home's historical and artistic past. It serves as a reminder of the meticulous detail and artistic consideration that Frank Lloyd Wright brought to every aspect of his creations, making the Avery Coonley House a significant example of his residential architecture.
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