Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House
Alabama
The Frank Lloyd Wright Rosenbaum House, located in Florence, Alabama, is a unique architectural landmark and the only Wright-designed building in the state. Built in 1940 for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, it exemplifies Wright's Usonian concept aimed at affordable, functional housing for middle-class Americans. The house is notable for its L-shaped design, use of natural materials like cypress wood and brick, and extensive glass that blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Its interior centers around a large stone hearth and a study, emphasizing simplicity and connection to nature. The Rosenbaum House underwent significant restoration after decades of family ownership, preserving original Wright furniture and architectural details. Today, it operates as a museum showcasing Wright's innovative approach to residential design and American architectural history.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm, with the last tour starting by 3:15 pm. No reservation is needed for individual visitors, but groups of 10 or more should reserve in advance. The house is closed on Mondays and select holidays. Purchasing tickets on-site is standard, but checking the official website for any updates or special events is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The Rosenbaum House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright building in Alabama.
- •It is considered the purest example of Wright's Usonian house concept by Wright scholar John Sergeant.
- •The house was the childhood home of notable American film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum.
- •The original flat roof leaked almost immediately after construction, and the heating system initially failed.
- •The house was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City shortly after completion in 1940.
- •The restoration project won the 2004 Wright Spirit Award in the Public Domain from the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.
History
Commissioned in 1938 by Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum, the house was completed in 1940 and is one of only 26 pre-World War II examples of Wright's Usonian homes.
It remained in the Rosenbaum family until 1999, making it the longest-held original ownership among Wright's Usonian houses.
After suffering from deterioration, the City of Florence restored the house using original plans from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation archives.
The restoration was completed in 2002, and the house was opened as a public museum.
It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and is recognized as a contributing building within the McFarland Heights historic district.
Place Guide
Living Room and Hearth1940
The centerpiece of the house featuring a large stone hearth around which the living spaces are organized, exemplifying Wright's integration of natural elements and functional design.
Original Wright-Designed Furniture1940
Custom furniture built on-site as part of Wright's vision for a cohesive design environment, some of which is still exhibited in the museum.
House Extension1948
An addition completed in 1948 to accommodate the Rosenbaum family's growing needs, adding over 1,000 square feet in a second L-shape consistent with the original Usonian style.
Exterior and Glass Walls1940
The house features extensive use of glass to blur the line between indoors and outdoors, with most rooms having direct access to the outside, enhancing natural light and connection to the Tennessee River.
Contact
Phone: (256) 718-5050
