Two (or More) Wrongs Make a Wright

A sand-colored brick, metal, and glass house surrounded by green and floral landscaping

Three wives, eight children, adultery, lawsuits, mass murder, and intellectual property violations hide behind the concrete and leaded-glass structures of one of the most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.

A plaque reading "The American Institute of Architects has selected this project for 1989 Honor Award" accompanied by an eagle medallion.
Wright refused to join the AIA because of his public disdain for other architects
A wooden door with art deco style leaded glass window reflecting the outside landscaping
Wright’s famous geometricized designs can be seen in this leaded window of the Meyer May House
A historical marker stands outside the May House
Wright’s status as an architect and the community importance of the original residents gave way to the placement of this historic marker

The Prairie style Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, MI was built from 1908-09. Just to name some of Wright’s indiscretions, around 1909, he left his wife and children to run off with a client’s wife (who was later murdered by one of his servants.) Wright was arrested in 1926 for violating the Mann Act by transporting a woman across state lines for “immoral purposes.” He later married that same woman.

A pathway leading up to the porch of the Meyer May House. The back of the house is in full view
Renowned for aesthetic balance and environmental integration, some of Wright’s later designs are more accurately attributed to designer Marion Mahony who was hired by Wright in his 1909 absence during his affair with Martha Cheney.
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1900sAmerican historybuildingshistoric buildingsMichigan
By architecture, design, fall 2023, PH Wild