The American System-Built House Model C, Two Flat 1 is a remarkable example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision for affordable, high-quality housing. Part of the historic Burnham Block in Milwaukee, this 1916 duplex was designed as a “ready-cut” home, where materials were factory-cut and shipped to the site for efficient assembly. Today, it stands as a beautifully restored piece of architectural history, offering a rare opportunity for fans of the Prairie School style to experience Wright’s work from the inside out. While many Wright sites are preserved behind velvet ropes, this particular home offers a unique, immersive experience as a meticulously restored vacation rental, allowing visitors to inhabit his “organic” philosophy for a night or a week.
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Preservation and Management
The Model C, Two Flat 1 is a privately owned residence. It sits within the historic Burnham Block, a neighborhood cluster of six Wright-designed homes. While the neighboring structures (including the Model B1 bungalow) are managed by the non-profit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block, which offers public tours and operates a gift shop, this specific duplex is maintained by private owners dedicated to its historical integrity. It was carefully restored and converted into a spacious single-family layout in the 1980s, preserving the original spirit of the home while ensuring its viability as a modern living space.
The Richards Duplex
The Model C (also known as the Richards Duplex) is a masterclass in Wright’s Prairie School style applied to an urban setting. The home features over 80 leaded glass windows that act as “light screens,” washing the interior in natural light while maintaining a sense of privacy from the street. Notable interior features include the central natural fireplaces, tray ceilings, and an abundance of built-in gumwood bookcases and armoires. A standout architectural detail is the stained-glass skylight that floods the central staircase with light, a signature Wright touch that makes the transition between floors an experience in itself.
Period Craftsmanship Meets Modern Luxury
The house is furnished with authentic Mission-style and Stickley furniture, creating a cohesive aesthetic that transports guests back to the early 20th century. Interestingly, this specific unit includes a vintage, high-end Danish-designed Poggenpohl kitchen—a nod to the home’s blend of historic preservation and functional luxury. Located in Milwaukee’s Burnham Park neighborhood, the home is a cornerstone of the largest contiguous collection of American System-Built homes in existence.
Plan Your Visit
Location 📍
The American System-Built House Model C is located in the Burnham Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This quiet, residential street is a “living museum,” where Wright’s architectural experiments sit side-by-side with traditional Milwaukee homes.
To maintain the historical integrity and guest privacy of this Frank Lloyd Wright residence, the full location and check-in details are provided exclusively to guests upon a confirmed reservation.
Tour 🎫
While this specific Model C is a private rental and not open for walk-in public tours, the neighboring Model B1 and another Model C on the block are operated as a museum by the Burnham Block non-profit. Tours are typically available on Saturdays and include a deep dive into Wright’s “ready-cut” system. Reservations are required and can be made via WrightInMilwaukee.org.
Make it a Trip 🧳
Milwaukee is a major stop on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, a self-guided route connecting nine sites across southern Wisconsin. After exploring the Burnham Block, you can travel just 15 minutes north to see the Frederick C. Bogk House or head south to Racine to visit the world-famous SC Johnson Administration Building, Research Tower and Wingspread.
Stay the Night 🛏️
The Model C, Two Flat 1 is one of the few Frank Lloyd Wright homes available for overnight rentals. The home accommodates up to 10 guests with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. It features a stunning sleeping porch with a daybed and trundle, offering a peaceful space to experience the home’s unique relationship with light and air. You can find the booking details and availability through the property’s VRBO listing. It’s the perfect place to stay while you explore the Burnham neighborhood and nearby attractions. Note: There is a 2-night stay minimum.
Additional Resources & Inspired Products
Find unique products, books, and gifts inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy at our Amazon storefront: Wright at Home!
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This American House: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meier House and the American System-Built Homes by Jason Loper and Michael Schreiber
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Frank Lloyd Wright: American System-Built Houses by Shirley Schmidt
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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Wisconsin: How America’s Most Famous Architect Found Inspiration in His Home State by Kristine Hansen