This Frank Lloyd Wright House Cost $5,000 (Herbert Jacobs House)

[@BillyO]

We need more of this type of basic, well designed construction for first home buyers today, not the tract housing we are seeing everywhere.

[@garryferrington811]

Tract housing is good for the economy as it's constructed to fall apart in twenty years or so. You don't mind buying new cars all the time, so why not new houses?

[@bethbartlett5692]

@@garryferrington811 I know, crazy Industrialist Theory applied to the Public huh?

[@davidpowellseattle]

Agreed.

[@locolalo1364]

@@garryferrington811 Unlike you deranged boomers, I do NOT enjoy taking out an increasing "10k, 20k, 40k, now 50k" loan for a vehicle every 10-15 years... Much less the increasing "5k, 50k, 250k, now 400-500k" loan for a house that won't survive my lifetime.

[@77Tadams]

@@garryferrington811 Nailed it. Also, they don't want you passing it down to your kids. They want to be able to demolish homes easily for what their needs are with us. Them/the one percent, Us/the rest of us.

[@williamtyre523]

The back story of this house is fascinating - a world class architect being challenged to design a beautiful and functional house for $5,000 - and succeeding! Glad to hear it has been carefully restored and continues to be used as a residence.

[@steveschramko2386]

This house is the residential equivalent of the Volkswagen bug. Porsche and Wright...quite a pair.

[@leonardonetagamer]

Thats roughly half the cost of houses at the time, not nearly as impressive as you think, but still pretty impressive.

[@lucascorreia9916]

@Hitogokochi exactly…

[@georgetsokanis3542]

​@John Meigs I had a builder explain to me that the homes built 100 years ago were built differently because then labor and materials were cheap and technology was expensive;electricity (100 amp),bathrooms, kitchens. Today technology is cheap but materials and labor are expensive. Also as you stated land was much cheaper which is a major problem now. The home is beautiful but that's because the lot is beautiful. It's a different time.

[@Oldman808]

At the time, most middle class housing including the land cost about 5000 dollars. There is nothing remarkable about any architectural student designing an affordable house. Most wouldn’t make Wright’s mistakes of low ceilings and doorways, inadequate lighting, and poor ventilation. Wright did sometime create a beautiful building. He could have done a heap better if he cared about construction and livability.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

As a longtime admirer of Wright's designs, it is lovely to see a modest one that was designed and actually built, and is still being lived in today. Thank you for sharing this.

[@curiousworld7912]

I've always loved Wright's Usonian homes. And, right now, God knows, the US could use quality, affordable housing.

[@angelaj8958]

Musk lives in a Boxabl

[@curiousworld7912]

@John Meigs Yes, I understand that, and I know that even with the Usonian design and thought; Wright's house still came in over budget. But Wright was correct: the need for affordable housing, which is more than just a hovel, is sorely needed. Now, far more than in Wright's time. So, while I realize that his concepts for affordable housing were idealistic; the need is very high. And we could house everyone in this country - we simply choose not to.

[@poppyasher]

@John Meigs Why are you comparing the medium (do you mean median?) wage and income in 1936 to the building costs in one of the most expensive cities in the country? Wouldn't it be better to compare modern building costs in Wisconsin where the house is located? Housing costs have certainly risen unsustainably, but you could make your argument better with more relevant data.

[@kevinbarry4325]

Yes for all the non tax paying scum flooding in...if you only knew

[@crichter1724]

The house is still very "modern" looking. The open room concept is a feature of today's houses. Frank Lloyd Wright was ahead of his time. ❤

[@lawfulbeneficiary1731]

I agree but not necessarily a good thing just reveals how basic and plain modern architecture has become.

[@LeileeBaker805]

Always have loved his designs💕

[@zeroceiling]

@@lawfulbeneficiary1731 I’m not sure I understand the point you are making with your comment. Care to expand?

[@lawfulbeneficiary1731]

@@zeroceiling basically modern architecture such as this was only created to bridge the gap of affordable housing. Society has lost the art of fun and elegance nowadays everything looks plain and boxy. For reference look at old photographs of buildings before demolition or natural disasters and you will vomit. I genuinely feel like the world has become more plain due to how complacently people dress nowadays so there is no longer and emphasis on how classy and elegant something is it’s just rather more about how big something is I go to so many modern houses/estate and it simply lacks life all you can see is just massive empty space

[@Earl3333]

He was his time

[@mikebronson5766]

Very glad to hear that it's still a private residence

[@joeseeking3572]

Reminds me of the Usonian house at Florida Southern College in Lakeland - where he was also commissioned to do, basically, the college campus. Combination of budget and, well, FLW, meant that the entire vision never happened BUT there are a number of structures on campus designed by him, still in use AND you can tour these in addition to the house itself. It's really something of a surprise and can be easily reached from Tampa, little bit longer driver from Orlando, if you happen to be staying in either city, looking for a half day trip.

[@jimwiskus8862]

Incredible for Wright. This is probably Wright at his most human work, for the average person. I certainly applaud him for that.

[@rosezingleman5007]

His earliest clients thirty years before Herb Jacobs came along were also average people, solid middle class folks who were among the first to escape to the “suburbs” though nowadays we’d call Oak Park Illinois very urban. It was only a very slow fifteen minutes from downtown at the time Wright opened his office.

[@haikaikokoni369_]

My favorite architect. Drew a house in minutes; freaking out his clients who thought he couldn't deliver lol Genius in so many levels

[@basicallyno1722]

How do you feel about his homes being so architecturally unstable? They cost so much to maintain, not sure if want to sink money into living in one. Out of all his homes though this one seems the most stable because there aren’t all the crazy decorative feats.

[@paolomasone3754]

you really don't know what you're talking about. All buildings need maintenance. I guess that if you build 4-600 houses some of them will have problems. The practice of leaving the electrical and heating design to the contractors is pervasive and normal even today. People of genius naturally have groups of jealous haters.@@basicallyno1722

[@chucklambooy8457]

Fabulous is the only word. That one word describes all of FLW’s structures

[@cjdesign5700]

The birth of Usonia is an important element of homes to come.

[@solitaris7181]

Unbelievable! I'm now 60 years old and never been able to afford to build a house, so this house at this price would be fitting me just great! I love Frank Lloyd for his imagination and craftmanship, so clever in building his houses. Thank you for sharing and have a blessed day!

[@melliehelen8650]

Can’t help but wonder whether it could still be built today for _close to_ $100K (plus land). Consider if the structure were pre-built in a modular factory, not like those mobile half-homes sections you see on the highway, but sections of walls, etc. factory formed; then those pieces flat packed on a truck bed; then framed & assembled on site, with brick siding (faux brick, perhaps?) & other exterior features added on to finish the look. Might be able to accomplish that for less than $200K.

[@Anisky123]

Thanks for doing the math!

[@krazmokramer]

Thank you for that shot of the Allen-Lambe House (now called the FLW Allen House) @ 0:22! I also appreciate the shot of the Jacobs House car port with the Volvo p1800 @ 2:28, one of my favorite sports cars of the 60s and 70s. This Jacobs House is very appealing in that it was designed for the other 99% of us. Thank you for this video!!!!

[@markw999]

Very smart man. He only had one chance to get FLW to design a house for him and that was to get his ego invested in it with a bet. LOL. Well played, sir!

[@rosezingleman5007]

Herb and Katharine Jacobs had Wright design another house for them barely ten years later.

[@jh58]

It's a major landmark in American architecture. It's the first of Wright's Usonian homes. FLLW was America's greatest artist. Thanks UNESCO.

[@Akroness1445]

So wonderful Thank you so much for posting I always learn something from you!

[@christopherkraft1327]

This story is fascinating!!! Thanks for sharing this exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@TheJojo01902]

This is a wonderful and approachable (i.e., one can imagine ‘regular people’ living here) example of Wright’s work.

[@prithivkrishnabpk]

This is an testimony that if there is a will there is a way ,great work ,all the very best

[@WLNLW]

Yes, if the will is FLW's tricking the client.

[@scampbell3363]

His Usonian works are my favorites.

[@tgdomnemo5052]

... the days when architects still were artists ! ❤

[@johntrieber-nu2hp]

This is the Rosenbaum house in Florence Alabama. It has been restored and is owned by the city and tours are available. The website shows more interior pictures. 5:07

[@gilbertarnold-percy]

John Trieber.... No it is not... This is the Jacobs House (aka Jacobs I) in Madison, WI. If you look at the landscape... It is nothing like the Rosenbaum house in Alabama!

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace 🙏 Frank Lloyd Wright 8 June 1867 ~ 9 April 1959⚘

[@Megazoid-my7cp]

Thanks for highlighting the Usonian houses of FLW. This is truly important for middle to low income americans. Modest, but elegant looking.

[@thomaspfeiffer7088]

This house demonstrates the genesis of Wright, I had heard of his desire to build mass housing for the public but never accomplished it. I wish the video would have shone more on the house. Thank you for posting it.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Kinda makes you wonder why people settle for generic soulless tract housing when something like this could be built instead

[@garryferrington811]

Why do you need lawns? Because everybody else has one. Human beings are herd animals.

[@Erin-rg3dw]

My first guess is cost - FLW designed this home as a one-off, not a regular occurrence, and he probably earned very little on it. Bigger budgets also allow for more creative freedom. While the occasional project with stricter boundaries may be fun, as a business model its hard. The cookie-cutter homes are basically built and designed wholesale, so they can be made quickly and cheaply, without the overhead and rules of an artistic architect.

[@scrapiron1952]

I love everything Frank Loyd Wright is my favorite, ever since I was a kid. I'm 71 now!💪🇺🇸

[@ATLcentury334]

There is also a weekend “cottage” which I believe was FLW last commission. It’s in a state park in Wisconsin and is available to rent. It has just 1 bedroom, and is quite cozy.

[@a.mie.533]

This building is magnificent - Wright composes living space in such a brilliantly natural and seemingly effortless way, that it makes you think: "...sure, how else ..."

[@dstaugustinefl8832]

I love his designs, Falling Water is my favorite. So cool thx

[@carcar78]

Love this design! Smart. Workable. Right on.

[@mileshigh1321]

Beautiful! I want one! 😄

[@bethshaw1554]

I wish I could have met Frank Loyd Wright. I am actually in the process of building my first home, and I am a special education teacher. I have a modest budget and I have saved for many years. I hope that my home turns out to be beautiful.

[@Joy-mh9xq]

Years ago, I watched a TV documentary about FLW and the houses he designed. They went into detail how difficult they were to build and how many longterm problems come with his houses. He didn't consider the internal plumbing, drainage, electric wiring, and other important concerns-- leaving that to the contractors. Apparently these houses require a great deal of expensive repairs and upkeep. I toured Taliesin West in Scottsdale in 1998, and the tour guide shared the same complaint. Creative, but not always well-thought out.

[@bethbartlett5692]

*Of all houses presented, this one I should like to live in.* My Favorite Architect, period! I would so enjoy his design space. This is one of my favorites.

[@Chan.HDZ.1222]

In 1990 as a college student in Southeast Kansas where I was from my Interior Design class visited Price Tower he built in Bartlesville OKlahoma. It was AMAZING!! I would have absolutely LOVED to have lived in one of those apartments!!

[@Dogsnark]

I’ve been a Wright fan since I was a kid. I had always wanted to build my own house, so home architecture was my big interest, and the architecture of FLW particularly. I did design and build my own home eventually, but it reflected none of Wrights influence, unfortunately. My design was focused on making it energy efficient and affordable on my limited budget, two things Wright seldom achieved in his designs. But I sacrificed aesthetics and my admiration of Wright’s work. He would not not have approved of my design! Wright’s oft-repeated promise of perfecting an architecture affordable to the average middle class American just never came true. Still, I love his design philosophy and have visited a number of homes of his design. My favorite architect.

[@epus40]

... He stole both design and philosophy!)))))))))

[@elkerwin]

I live close to the Jacobs houses and am privileged to have been allowed inside Jacobs 1. I also attend Wright’s home congregation at the First Unitarian Society in Madison for which he designed an amazing and very famous building. There are still Wright homes, primarily Usonian and American System-Built houses being “discovered” in Wisconsin. For those who say they couldn’t live in such houses - there are certainly trade offs (horrible kitchens), but it’d be a privilege. Don’t judge them until you’ve actually personally experienced one or more of them, particularly the more modest sized houses. There’s a feeling of immediate comfort and coziness one experiences upon entering that extends throughout. I feel infinitely privileged to have experienced more than the average number of Wright homes and public buildings for myself. I highly recommend the Wright and Like tours which are held regularly. FUS and other sites like Taliesin (which is only half an hour outside of Madison, not “across the state”) are open for tours. Come to Madison and see a few of the many for yourself. You can also take a day trip to Oak Park to see his home and studio - also open for tours.

[@MrVisde]

This is what I love about original Eichler homes. They were affordable mid century modern for the masses. I didn’t know Frank Lloyd Wright experimented with an affordable home. It’s beautiful and modest!

[@toniadugger3954]

These / this one is my FAVORITE!!

[@jamesdavis5096]

Finally some decent television programming

[@williamholcombe31]

Thanks I Love Frank Lloyd Wrights homes .Thanks 4 The Video 🎥 .

[@countalucard4226]

Years ago I saw a 2 hour or documentary of FLW on PBS. I didn’t know much about him but after watching I just was amazed at his talents and perspectives on life. It might of been longer than 2 hours but it was a great watch.

[@HandyMan657]

The upkeep on these things is incredible. I've worked on several and there is no end to the nightmare that is maintaining them.

[@paolomasone3754]

Really? who are you? tell us something besides some vague insult. let's investigate your work and see how it stands up under the microscope.

[@blackhawkswincup2010]

@@paolomasone3754 HandyMan657 is right; I've heard this comment from more than one source. FLW's work is very much like Van Gogh's, or like owning a classic car. It is stunningly beautiful, charming, beguiling, and you could look at it for hours. But I'd never want to own a piece of either's work, or a car as an artwork. FLW's houses aren't practical. You're living in a museum, and you're always worried about something going wrong, and when it does, you're saddled with the expense and anxiety of fixing it. Every Spring, the creeks in Pennsylvania run high, and every year Fallingwater is flooded out. Who wants to live with that? Van Gogh's paintings are all driven by pain, gorgeous and nuanced as they are. I'd never want that in my living space. Jay Leno can have the fancy cars; he has the money and the love of the cars and fixing them. I want my car to be efficient and reliable, which is why I drive a Honda.

[@terryl.9302]

Cd see this on a 3-5.acre homestead. With creative use of newer materials, building in stages, a bit of scrounging, you might just pull it off for $65k. General style very workable. Give part a second story, and there ya go. FLW no, but think he'd admire the ingenuity. 🍒

[@davidhjortnaes2000]

If I recall it is on a public street and you can sort of walk around it. Wait til dark and you can probably see a bit inside.

[@rainbowsandlove]

Or maybe don’t trespass onto private land and stare in someone’s window?! Just a thought…

[@davidhjortnaes2000]

@@rainbowsandlove you live in a FLW house, people are going to stare

[@rainbowsandlove]

@@davidhjortnaes2000 waiting until dark and looking in someone’s windows isn’t normal behaviour, irrespective of who designed the house…

[@beeshort1542]

I really love that he wasn’t bothered by the budget and still wanted them to have a great home. Please make a video about the second house.

[@sharksport01]

Mr. Jacobs wrote a book about his whole experience of working with Wright on both houses. It's a good book, if I remember correctly they were mad at each other for years.

[@arasharfa]

the regality of his style but in this much more humble format makes it even more desirable. This has everything a dream home needs.

[@originaluddite]

Seems like a great way to get Wright to do what you want was to phrase it as a challenge. :)

[@jekku4688]

If Wright (or any of his cronies) had built more homes like these, I'd definitely buy one! The complete lack of good architecture in modern homes today make Wright's design just that much more captivating.

[@toniklemm1172]

This design looks like a predecessor of the Bachman-Wilson House at Crystal Bridges. Gorgeous!!

[@Chris.Davies]

Don't forget, that as a newspaper man, Herbert Jacobs salary was just $1,100 a year in 1936. And Frank made them sell their original section, and buy this one. He had to rebate them $450 from his architects fee, to allow them to put up curtains, IIRC.

[@bob-rogers]

It was window screens that Wright paid for.

[@MrAuswald]

BANGER OF A VIDEO! GLORIOUS! ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VIDEO I'VE EVER SEEN! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@thomasfreitag3532]

Ken, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. And that you’re a fellow St Louisan is the icing on the cake. Well done!

[@iamlalapalooza]

i like this video, you share facts with a nice comfortable presentation. I wonder if any of his blueprints/plans are available for us to buy or just use?

[@bob-rogers]

I was admiring the Jacobs house from the sidewalk when a guy came out and introduced himself. It was Pedro Guerrero (one of Wright's photographers), who was visiting a friend who was housesitting. Pedro invited me in to see the living room and the yard. It was one of the coolest things related to Wright that I've experienced.

[@952arnaldo]

Love the house. Is threr a way to find the architectural plans to reproduce this house as new construction.

[@katdog9786]

There are several FLW cottages built on White Lake MI. My grandfather bought 5318 South Shore Dr, Whitehall MI in 1971 for maybe 22K? I do know he sold it in 1999 for 500K. Wonderful place on the lake w another FLW home next to it and one with a bridge over Birch Brook a few doors down. Story told to us kids was he had a girlfriend who lived in the area and she was his excuse to build there. I was born and raised in Oak Park, IL. Frank Lloyd Wright was part of our history lessons. Thankful. My designs in jewelry reflect him too. Nice to see a small affordable place.

[@ericscott5224]

I appreciate your inclusion of floorplans in your videos.

[@LoisAGrimm]

A beautiful home. I would love to have something similar. FLW's manipulation of space and use of light make his designed homes feel serene.

[@TheAndibk]

We visited Fallingwater & had the privilege of going through one of his homes built for the average American family… It was one of many in a small sub-division. As well, as that private tour we also explored what was once a gas-station and restaurant on the top of a high hill that had a magnificent view! It was being restored,as the funds came in.

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

It's gorgeous. I have often thought about building an unbuilt Wright design , why have an ordinary house when you can have a masterpeice..

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

Jacob's second house designed by Wright was pivotal as well. A semi- circular bermed house. I would argue the Pope- Leighy house is more modest and likely less expensive.

[@jemrawc]

Absolutely excellent video!!

[@olgavantveld6946]

I like this house. It is open and very modern. I wish houses would be desigined like that again.

[@kirbywaite1586]

This was essentially the inspiration for early 1950s tract homes all across the country.

[@stringlarson1247]

The Usonian designs are incredibly lovely homes. The flat roof design has always been an issue in the Midwest. With the better materials we have today, that issue is entirely solvable. There are a fair number of these still around the MW and I know several people who have successfully dealt with some of the construction issues. Spending time in them is just such a treat.

[@gregedunham1]

Fabulous house for normal folks. Just beautiful. Today $100,000 would be what the cost of just the wonderful clear grain wood! Perhaps other materials could used.

[@dr123hall]

I see the design as easy to build from (often beautiful wood) pallets and completed with bamboo/hemp/local materials, some glass company salvage and seconds. Adding wood or coal mass heat design. Yes, this can be done by owner and lots labor.

[@dr123hall]

@John Meigs City inspectors to small community interpretation and enforcement of code is and always an issue. But many can see the ecological value in Salvage barnwood, etc., are big fans of working to incorporate Local harvested and milled wood, Stone and even mud or straw buildings. The snow/wind loads and foundation footer psf are the general sticking points, with insulation, any stairs or steps, windows, plumbing and electrical are just usually painful no matter the location or budget. The boonies? Those days of thinking you are out of big brothers reach are pretty much gone.

[@joyfulstrategy5694]

Been there several times went a few months ago it's so amazing and it never looses it's awe everytime I return

[@1chart]

i grew up in oak park il.we had a field trip when i was in 3rd ,4th or 5th grade- cant remember anymore.the oak park village(?) or whatever organization bought the studio and had just started tours to the public.before that,the studio was divided into several studio apartments.nobody really cared about these homes.the one on the university of chicago campus was a sorority house for a bit.i had family members who owned one in oak park which was cool but it was not in great shape.the kitchens are small ,the electicity was erratic.Im glad to see people are still into frankie baby.

[@jongreen4893]

$5000 in todays dollars is roughly $107,600.

[@georgetsokanis3542]

US income 2023,$59,635 US income 1935 $810 Unemployment 2023 4.1% Unemployment 1935 20.1% Home ownership 2023 67% 1935,43% Average new home size 2023 2600 sq' 1935, 1,210sq'.

[@LaWendeltreppe]

It totally has the vibe of a Danish holiday home. I spent many holidays in my childhood in similar houses. Nice, but a bit too dark when you live in a country which has often dark days.

[@bradbeaman3502]

A similar house-the Bachman-Wilson house-is on display at Crystal Bridges art museum in Arkansas.

[@donovanreimer2324]

Another really enjoyable video !!

[@patricialivingston5349]

To all those who say 'Tiny', I say spread out, one level, total comfort, creativity, perfection, Frank Lloyd Wright!

[@SQBfromOB]

I grew up in this house my friend lived here for 18 years and yes im from Oberlin it's cold in the winter and hot af in the summer nice little house nothing special just FLW now I live on Boston in Detroit and you talk about my neighbors homes lol I love the chanel

[@elissaanne1953]

This house is amazing! Beautiful features and natural elements. Stunning!

[@knh5954]

There is a show on A&E called Flipping down South in Birmingham Al. There are 5 shows and one of them was the flip of a dilapidated mid-cen mod, that from the outside looks exactly like this house. It was a great episode to watch and looked great when finished. I wonder if the custom home was a copy of this one, it was so similar and rare in that area. I love that he accepted the challenge.

[@austinwinchester]

nice to see some of wrights homes still being used for what they were designed for.

[@dugdoll3295]

OMG this home is on Toepfer in Madison Wisconsin just a few blocks from my childhood home. My friends lived there in the mid 70’s

[@rosajimenez7777]

I do love the open space

[@barrywainwright3391]

More proof of his architectural genuis and a 1595 sf home is a very big size. My home is only 1100 sf. Having a nice beautiful work of art home for only $5k is amazing. That's how much a custom built shed would cost now. I have been a fan of Wright since the 70s in Highschool and have all his books.

[@MokingJay-Ilysium]

On the grand designs in the first 5 to 6 minutes of every episode the 3-D model is presented and you get a real feel about it even now when you use the imaginary walk-through possibilities which cadcam has nowadays.

[@racefan601]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danielsanford4109]

I noticed its beauty the moment I saw it.

[@ekbergiw]

1:54 the modern day equivalent is $100,000. $5,000 was the 1937 equivalent.

[@Chris.Davies]

In 2008/2009 I built a "copy" of this house, in modern materials. It cost about $550,000 to build.

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

Wall of windows! This is the way to build a house! If only builders now could learn from Wright! We have so many “postage stamp window” houses. So depressing.

[@xxforeverkissedxx6132]

We were mowing one in Lakeland a few years back, somebody finally bought it.

[@kerricorser4562]

This is my favorite kind of house. It's the vibe. ❤

[@MicaFarrierRheayan]

Adorable house! I loves it eversince saw it on a book in 2000. Wanna visit it one day

[@geofflusk]

FLLW originally came up with this Usonian design for my grandparents. While it was supposed to cost $5000, the estimate rose to $10,000 and my grandfather couldn’t persuade the bank to issue a loan for such an unusual design.

[@kathleen7825]

Awesomely Cool 👍😎💗

[@ladyhonor822]

5K WOW Philadelphia USA 🇺🇲

[@juliedeane4327]

There are documentaries on him. What is amazing is the man did not even have a degree in Architecture. He just had talent & imagination & used them.

[@gheechiedan9299]

FLR is 1 of my FAVORITE American Home Designers. I bought MY home BECAUSE it looked like it was inspired by FLR. 😎

[@JimChappell-o4l]

I believe the black and white kitchen photo at 3.44 is the Stuart Richardson House by Mr. Wright, not the Jacobs House.

[@Caldermologist]

I have never understood the need for a house simply to keep yourself alive in. Our future home has ample space for living, in all aspects of the word.

[@chriskappert1365]

Unbelevable this house is allmost a hundred years old . It could be built in the 90s ! FLW was a true genius and artist FAR ahead of his time . ❤