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Although some 140 houses designated “Usonian” followed the First Jacobs House, including the Second Jacobs House after World War Two, they tended to become much more elaborate, losing the charm of simplicity and clean proportions enjoyed by the original example.

The First Jacobs remains the prototype house of Wright’s dream development, Broadacre City. The open arrangement of its living room wing, that is, the elimination of a separate dining room and the direct relationship of the kitchen to the eating area was to be adopted in the so-called ranch-style houses that populated post-war American suburbs. This influence has added to the historical significance of the house.

More Reading:

The Wright place
Retired UW professor loves the calming effect of an architectural legend
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Sunday, June 1, 2003
> Read

The Usonian Home 1936-1959:
Wright Cannot Be Wrong
American Studies, University of Virginia
> Read

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