Question

In 1937, the first Herbert Jacobs House was completed in Madison, Wisconsin. This was the first "Usonian" house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Usonian houses were designed to incorporate technical innovations, such as radiant floors. More importantly, they were intended to be low-cost, affordable housing. This was accomplished by eliminating unnecessary elements. Interior finishes were left out, where possible, as were major elements, such as garages and basements. In addition, the building's layout was based on material modules with the intention of minimizing construction waste.

In 1909, Wright's compact Robie House had cost $35,000 to build. How much did his first Usonian house cost to build: $5,500, $35,000, or $50,000?

Answer

The Herbert Jacobs House cost $5,500 to build in 1937. This included the cost of architectural fees. Wright coined the term "Usonian" to express a broad domestic agrarianism.