Walter Griffin worked in Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park, Illinois studio from 1901-1906, and Wright's influence on the talented young architect is obvious in the design of Griffin's Blythe House in Mason City, Iowa.
Griffin developed this area of Mason City and called it Rock Crest Rock Glen. The neighborhood still contains the largest number of prairie school homes in a natural setting.
The house pictured above was built in 1914 for investor James Blythe, and it featured a 33-foot living room and a floating ceiling. Construction materials included reinforced concrete and hollow tile.
This neighborhood is another great example of the Midwest's "hidden" architectural treasures. Mason City is also the home of the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel--The Park Inn.
More on Walter Burley Griffin HERE.
More on Mason City HERE.
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