HISTORIC FOREST AVENUE HOME FEATURES WRIGHT RENOVATIONS

By Liz Jaros

Wednesday Journal, Inc.

Preview House Writer

At 400 N. Forest Ave., in the heart of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District, the William H. Copeland House occupies a full acre of land with grace and unparalleled style. A yellow brick Italianate when it was built in 1883, the home was overhauled several years later by Wright and transformed into an esteemed, architectural original.

Multiple tiers of mature perennial plants and a wide, wraparound porch introduce the home to those who pass or enter. An arched, art glass front doorway opens into a warm entry foyer, giving us our first glimpse of Prairie style.

The home’s unique banding design and striking cove-molded ceilings can be appreciated from the grand foyer, which bisects the first floor. All wood, trim and floors on this level were recently stripped, rehabbed and stained with a dark, rich color to accentuate the grain. A formal staircase to the second level rises from the left side of this airy, welcoming space.

Step left into a 24-by-12 foot reception room offering a wide Roman-brick fireplace and a sunny bay of Prairie-style windows, or step right into a fabulous, 21-by-14 foot living room. Prairie style fixtures, more leaded glass and an earthy green palette link this room with the natural landscape material viewed through its towering windows.

Move eastward into a brilliant dining room, where a stunning, built-in hutch with glass-front display cabinets and plentiful drawer storage steals the show. This 23-by-15 foot space boasts a bright, southern-exposed window bay, Prairie style light fixtures and access to both the front wrap-around and rear kitchen porches through opposing sets of art glass doors.

An open, 22-by-15 foot kitchen with maple floors and bleached cabinets comes fully loaded with appliances and storage space. A unique maple floor with a cherry inlay outlines the eating area, which accommodates a good-sized table. Large windows above a deep double sink offer a relaxing view, and a southern-exposed side door opens out onto a delightful rear porch that steps down into the backyard.

Out here, impressive, mature trees offer shade while Prairie-style plants and shrubs sweep gracefully around the perimeter of this beautiful 132-by-330 foot lot, which also holds a charming, Wright-renovated coach house (currently renting for $900/month) and a two car garage.

Re-enter the home through a rear door near the driveway. A mud room to the north, once a servant’s room or butler’s pantry, provides versatile first floor space adjacent to the kitchen. An informal rear foyer offers access to a 15-by-13 foot family room, a classically-detailed full bathroom and a convenient rear staircase.

Since Wright’s renovations end on the first floor, the home’s second story has a very classic, Victorian feel. Bullseye woodwork and molding, numerous linen and storage closets, sunny window bays, walk-in closets and gorgeous parquet floors define this level. Six bedrooms (19- by-15, 19-by-14, 15-by-15, 15-by-15, 15-by-13 and 11-by-9 feet) can be found up here. All are bright and unique in character. Some have private, marble washstands.

Two large, vintage-style full bathrooms can be accessed from the hallway along with stairs to a gorgeous, partially finished third floor featuring a vaulted ceiling and a wall of Prairie style windows. The possibilities for this space are endless.

The home’s unique design and history secured it a place on the 1993 Wright-Plus House Tour. It boasts numerous recent upgrades/improvements both inside and out. It’s listed with Marion Digre at Re/Max in the Village Realty for $1,500,000. Call 386-1400 for more information.