Turkel House Frank Lloyd Wright Architect

Dorothy Turkel House
2760 West Seven Mile Road.

America’s most famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, designed this 4300 sq ft all concrete house was for Dorothy G Turkel in 1955. It is the only two story Usonian Automatic in the world, and his only building within the Detroit city limits.
It is constructed with hollow concrete block in more than 36 patterns, on a two foot square module, without a basement or attic. The living room which Wright called the music room is a full two stories high and has over 200 pierced, light admitting blocks on two sides. A balcony overlooks the music room, and 8 doors open to a second floor balcony overlooking the gardens. The study, master suite and 2 additional bedrooms are on the second floor.

On January22, 1955 Dorothy G Turkel of Boston Boulevard wrote a six page letter to Mr. Wright asking if he would build a house for her in Detroit. The letter explains their family interests, and the details they are looking for in “a house we have always dreamed about”. Just 3 months later a letter confirms the sketches are ready and a meeting is arranged at Taliesin West in Arizona.
The house took two years to complete and Mrs. Turkel and her family moved in February 1958.

Turkel House is a private residence and not open to the general public for tours. Members of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy are welcome to arrange a visit in advance. To become a member visit www.savewright.org