The last house built in the Prairie School style more than a century ago by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright still stands tall among neighboring homes on an upscale Wichita residential street. Executive director Amy Reep calls the historic showcase house “a hidden gem on the prairie.” 

Completed in 1918, the 5,000-square-foot residence located at 255 Roosevelt Street was commissioned by Gov. Henry Allen and his wife, Elsie, and was regarded by Wright himself as one of his crowning achievements among his more than 1,000 design projects (of which just over 700 were actually built) that included houses, churches, synagogues, office buildings, gas stations and even a skyscraper. 

“If you had a vision, he would make it come to life,” Reep said. “He'd create the whole package for you if you had the means to allow him to do that.”

Today, the home is open to lovers of architecture and aesthetic beauty, a tangible testament to the genius of Wright, whom many consider the most prominent architect of the 20th century. 

That the Allen House is revered as one of his finest displays of architecture is not lost on the estimated 6,000 people from around the globe who visit the historic structure each year. With its popularity fanned by the current media-driven home renovation frenzy, the innovative house is frequented by designers, architects, realtors and others looking for creative ways to beautify their abodes. 

“People who are building houses are constantly coming through and asking questions,” Reep said. “They want to know about the woodwork, furniture designs and paint colors. We hope we're inspiring them to take these design ideas and go off and create their own beautiful environments to live in.”

Restored in part by Reep’s father, Howard Ellington, a now-retired Wichita architect who served on the house board, the home opened to visitors in 1990 and is one of only 72 Frank Lloyd Wright homes available for public viewing. 

“It is probably the most complete design he did, as we have 98 percent of the original furniture in the house,” Reep said. “All our original art glass (stained glass) is intact.”

Timeless features in the home include its open floor plan and the security, air and vacuum systems. A team of 12 master gardeners tend to the elaborate gardens each Monday in the courtyard and around the home.

“He was a genius in his own right,” Reep said. “When people come to the house, it just draws them in. You have to experience the architecture in order to appreciate it.”

Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House is open for public tours at 10 a.m. each Wednesday; 1 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Private tours are available by appointment. Special Holiday Moonlight guided tours are offered at 7 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 29 and include a wine and dessert reception. Holiday decorations will remain on display through the end of the year. 

For information or reservations, call 316-687-1027.