Past Watch Site

Frank Lloyd Wright’s theories of organic architecture mandated that buildings draw materials from their natural environments. In Los Angeles, this resulted in the creation of four textile block houses, the largest of which is the Ennis House, built in 1924. Wright used decomposed granite from the site so the house’s exterior matched the color and texture of the surrounding hills. Wright also designed 27 art glass windows for the house, all of which remain in situ. Unfortunately, the materials Wright used to build the house have contributed to its deterioration. This damage was compounded by the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and, more recently, by torrential rains that struck southern California in early 2005, which destabilized the house’s retaining wall and west terrace, compromising the roof and damaging interiors.

UPDATE

December 2010: In June 2009 the house was offered for sale for $15 million by the Ennis House Foundation. The foundation is seeking to transfer the house under an easement, providing for limited public access. The house remains unsold, and the asking price has been lowered.
 

Last update: December 2010