Let Me Be Frank: A Brief Look at Local Design

If you have an interest in architecture, then you may be familiar with the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect who helped define the Prairie and Organic styles that helped usher in the clean lines and minimalist philosophies of the mid twentieth century. From the famous Guggenheim Museum in New York to the Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania, Wright left an indelible mark on the world of design. For us here in Wichita, we are lucky enough to have a few of his works right in our own backyard.

Corbin Education Center

If you have ever been in the Corbin Education Center, your first thought might be, “Well this place hasn’t been updated since the 60’s”. And you would be right, but that’s the charm of this beautiful historical building. Commissioned in 1957 and named in honor of former University president Harry F. Corbin, the Corbin Education Center was one of the last projects on Wright’s desk and highlights one of the tenants of Wright’s work - that you should bring the outdoors in. With its massive windows and a collection of balconies and terraces throughout, as well as its gorgeous fountains, you will certainly never feel claustrophobic. With every element in mind, Wright also designed the furnishings for each of his projects to better bring his full vision to life. Today, many of those furnishings are still intact. If you are ever walking though those halls wondering why it doesn’t look like the front section of the Pottery Barn, just remember that every piece was designed with a purpose.

The Allen-Lambe House

Commissioned by Elsie, the wife of Henry J. Allen, who served as Governor of Kansas as well as the editor and publisher of the Wichita Beacon, this house was built in 1915 in the burgeoning College Hill neighborhood and was one of the last of Wright’s Prairie residences. It is no surprise that this house has hints of Japanese stylings with its enclosed lily pool and garden, as Wright had been working on conceptualizing the Imperial Hotel in Japan at the same time. If you ever thought you couldn’t judge a book by its cover, this house would make you rethink everything you knew. The interior left nothing on the table, as it is ornamented with art glass and bookcase doors, a sunken living space, and craftsman furnishings. The house is open for daily tours and has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor!

Century II Convention Center

The Honorable Mention: Century II Convention Center located downtown wasn’t designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was, however, designed by John M. Hickman, who apprenticed for Wright at the University of Illinois. Hickman, who also designed the Ablah Library on the Wichita State University campus, was commissioned to build the convention center as a replacement to the Forum and to commemorate Wichita’s 1970 centennial. The building took many of its cues from Wright’s works and stands today as the big blue dome that is so recognizable on our city scape. Tear it down? Get outta here!