The John Gillin House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1950 and completed in 1958, stands as a great example of the architect’s late-career Usonian vision. As Wright’s only residential project in Dallas, this sprawling home reflects both the architect’s signature geometric precision and the “big” spirit of Texas. Commissioned by oilman and geophysicist John Gillin, the residence showcases a sophisticated interplay of native sandstone, copper, and glass, all situated on a lush seven-acre site overlooking a scenic creek in the Preston Hollow neighborhood.
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Preservation and Management
The John Gillin House remains a meticulously preserved private residence. Unlike many other Wright-designed homes that have faced the threat of demolition or significant alteration, the Gillin House has been fortunate to have owners who value its architectural integrity. While it is not managed by a public trust or non-profit, its historical significance is widely recognized in the Dallas architectural community.
A Texas-Sized Usonian
While most Usonian homes were designed as modest, affordable dwellings, the John Gillin House is a notable exception. This is Wright’s largest single-story Usonian—spanning over 11,000 square feet! The floor plan is anchored by a central hexagon from which three distinct wings radiate outward. This geometry creates a “train house” silhouette that is low, long, and perfectly integrated into the rolling topography of the site.
The interior is a masterclass in Wrightian detail, featuring acute angles of 60 and 120 degrees that appear in everything from the room layouts to the built-in furniture. The grand living room is perhaps the most striking feature, capped by a hexagonal copper dome and a ventilator inspired by the Aztec Ballroom at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. John Gillin, a self-made “gadgeteer,” was heavily involved in the details, even designing the home’s door hardware and the stainless steel kitchenettes.
Plan Your Visit
📍Location
The John Gillin House is located at 9400 Rockbrook Drive in Dallas, TX. Situated in the prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood, the house is set back significantly from the road on a large lot. While the address is easy to find, the home is largely shielded from public view by dense greenery and the natural bend of the creek, maintaining the privacy of its current residents.
🛑Curb-Side Viewing Only
Please be aware that the John Gillin House is a privately owned residence and is not open to the public for tours. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property or blocking the driveway while viewing from the street.
🎬Movie Site
Film buffs may recognize the property as the residence of Bob Mapplethorpe in Wes Anderson’s 1996 cult classic, Bottle Rocket.
🧳Make it a Trip
Make your visit to Dallas a Frank Lloyd Wright pilgrimage. Pair a drive-by of the Gillin House with a visit to the Kalita Humphreys Theater, Wright’s only freestanding theater, located just a few miles away on Turtle Creek Boulevard. You can also explore the nearby Dallas Museum of Art or the Nasher Sculpture Center to round out a weekend of architectural and artistic exploration in North Texas.
🏨Hotels in Dallas
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Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – A luxury stay located near Wright’s Kalita Humphreys Theater.
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Hotel Indigo Dallas Downtown – National landmark in the heart of the city
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Hilton Dallas/Park Cities – Situated in a quiet, upscale neighborhood close to the Gillin residence.
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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The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion by William Allin Storrer
- Copper Rain Chain Origami design – 8 feet
