A historical landmark and architectural masterpiece will live on.

For years, controversy has plagued the future of the David and Gladys Wright House, situated in Phoenix’s premiere Arcadia neighborhood. The house, completed in 1952, was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright on behalf of his son, David and his wife, Gladys. The couple lived in the house until their deaths. When Gladys passed away in 2008 at age 104, she left the house to granddaughters who then sold it. The new buyer then sold it to real estate developer 8081 Meridian, whose plans to demolish the house and develop the 2.2 acre lot were met with criticism and backlash.

Efforts to protect the house from destruction through a heritage designation began in August 2012, and current owner Zach Rawling made the decision to transfer the property to the non-profit David and Gladys Wright House Foundation. Now, it will be a living laboratory for architecture students who cite Wright as one of their most influential inspirations.

On June 8, which would have been the architect’s 150th birthday, the School of Architecture at Taliesin announced the home would be donated for faculty and student learning.

Regarded as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last remaining masterpieces, Wright wanted the house to serve as a place of community, inspiration and experimentation. Now, the School will be responsible for planning and overseeing the continued preservation of the house and it’s beloved citrus groves. In the future, faculty and students will take over restoration acts and keep the vision of the home alive.

Graduate architectural students will have the unique opportunity to utilize the famous building as a learning center.

The concrete house boasts 2,500 square feet and a view of Camelback Mountain. The spiral design keeps the house cool by capturing the wind, and the long curved entry ramp reflects the design of New York’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. 

For more information on the home, it’s unique heritage, and it’s future, please visit the official website.