After 27 years, Deb and Tom Abrahamson are selling their Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in Oak Park. The Elizabeth and Rollin Furbeck Home at 515 Fair Oaks Ave. was designed in 1897.
Rollin Furbeck was the third of five sons of stockbroker Warren Furbeck. Warren gifted the house to his son as a wedding gift. He also gave his first son, George, a Wright-designed house at 223 N. Euclid Ave. as a wedding gift that same year.
Rollin’s house cost $6,000 to construct in 1897. Rollin and his wife lived in the home for about one year before moving to a George Maher-designed home. In 1899, the couple moved to New York City.
The Abrahamsons have been ardent preservationists of the home, which is designated an Oak Park landmark. When they purchased the home, it had been lovingly cared for by the previous owner, but it still required some updating for their young family.
They took out the radiators and installed forced air. The original porte cochere was converted to a family room with vaulted ceilings. They also remodeled the 1980’s-era kitchen, incorporating an original screened-in porch.
On the second floor, the couple reconfigured the space to create a primary suite with a sizeable walk-in closet and a bathroom with a soaking tub. The window above the bed perfectly captures the columns on the front of the house.
Overall, the home has over 5,000 square feet of living space, including five bedrooms and three- and one-half bathrooms. The attic level includes two bedrooms and a remodeled bath.
During their years in the house, the Abrahamsons retained as much of the original design detail as possible. Leaded glass windows remain throughout the home. In the front living room, the original inglenook and fireplace surround are cast in concrete. The Abrahamsons believe it is the only inglenook Wright designed in a residence in concrete form.
A library powder room features bookshelves and original built-ins and a marble sink. Suspended between the first floor and the basement, the powder room is such a highlight of the home that the Abrahamsons are building something similar in their new home in Forest Park.
Over the years, the original light fixtures were removed by previous owners, but the couple worked with John Curran to design new light fixtures that follow Wright’s designs for other significant buildings.
A previous owner replaced the original horsehair and plaster columns from the exterior with more hardy versions of the designs, which Tom Abrahamson points out are a nod to the influence Louis Sullivan had on Wright’s work at the time.
In the backyard, the original stable still stands, and there is also a three-car garage. An ancient burr oak overlooks a heated pool and Brazilian ipe wood deck that Deb says reminds her of a W Hotel.
While they have been faithful stewards of the home, considering the architectural significance during every step of their remodeling and maintenance of the home, the Abrahamsons emphasize, the home is very livable.
Deb says, “It’s a great family house, and it’s a great party house. We’ve had over 100 people here for events.”
She adds, “This house is not the least bit precious. We think it’s fabulous and also conducive to today’s lifestyles.”
The Abrahamsons are ready for a new project and are rehabbing an 1893 Victorian in Forest Park. While they look forward to their next chapter, they are carefully marketing their home to find the next buyer who will care for it as much as they have.
Rather than just hiring a Realtor and listing the house on the Multiple Listing Service, they have also reached out to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, which has listed the house on their website, and Tom created a website for the house: www.flwfurbeckhouse.com.
Tom also says that the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has been very supportive of their marketing of the home, and notes, “We all want to find the right owner for the house.”
The home is priced at $1,975,000 and listed with Louise Nix of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago.
While they wait to find the right buyer, the Abrahamsons continue to find joy in living in one of Wright’s masterpieces. Tom says, “Even 27 years later, we’re always noticing little details here. That is fascinating.”
(Editor’s note: The Abrahamson’s are donors to Growing Community Media. Deb Abrahamson is a long-time member of the organization’s board.)