Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘Genius’ Usonian Undergoes Dramatic Price Cut as It Returns to Market for $1.4 Million

A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property in Michigan that has been hailed as the perfect representation of his "architectural genius" has undergone a significant price reduction, having spent the better part of a year on the market without a sale.

Tucked into The Acres subdivision of Galesburg, MI, the Usonian, which was built in 1951 and is shouldered by four other Wright homes, was initially listed for $2.25 million in January of this year.

However, despite its impressive architectural pedigree, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom dwelling, which is known as the Weisblat House, failed to lure in a buyer. This prompted its owners to take more dramatic action, beginning with a series of price cuts that saw the ask dropped to as low as $1.5 million by August.

They removed the home from the market in October, at which point the sellers began working with their listing agent on a new marketing strategy for the property, which involves highlighting what it's really like to live in the property—while also drawing more attention to the incredible craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Now, the property is back on the market, complete with its own dedicated website that features an immersive walk-through video to help potential buyers get a better feel for what it's like to actually occupy the dwelling, as well as a cheaper asking price of $1.44 million.

“The new price positions the home more accurately within its niche and supports our efforts to reach serious, architecture-minded buyers through this enhanced marketing approach,” says listing agent Victoria Krause Schutte of @properties.

"We’re leaning into the architectural story, the feel of the space, and special elements like the hot house, gardening room, and the home’s beautiful setting within The Acres.

“The goal is to go beyond basic listing details and give buyers a sense of what it’s like to actually live there. We’re focusing on storytelling, rich visuals, and highlighting the emotional and architectural impact of the property so buyers can truly picture the lifestyle the home offers.”

Luckily, the Weisblat House has quite the story to tell.

The dwelling was commissioned by its first owners, David and Christine Weisblat, whose family held on to the property for decades before selling it to its latest occupant in 2017.

The current owner paid just $511,000 for the home, and has since invested in multiple renovations and updates. Wright's signature touches, including the original Honduran mahogany that fills much of the living spaces, remain.

Every inch of the home screams midcentury modern, in a good way, of course. This includes decorative objects, wall art, and the color palette. All of this “window dressing” further reminds that this is a veritable time capsule any lover of this design period would want to scoop up.

Should the home find a buyer thanks to its updated listing, it will mark only the second time that it has been sold in its 74-year history—offering one lucky person the chance to join a very short list of homeowners to have occupied such an architectural treasure.

As a result of its rather short sales resume, the home is in stellar condition, having been lovingly cared for over the years by all who have lived there.

Other original architecture features that remain, and have been thoughtfully preserved by the first two owners, are cantilevered rooflines, a carport, ribbon windows, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. Built-ins are also smartly designed, like the L-shaped desk that spans two walls, and the shelves lining the hallway near the bedrooms. Walls of windows in the living room coax in natural light.

Similar to Wright’s other Usonians, Honduran Mahogany and concrete block are among the primary materials used throughout the dwelling.

The neighborhood in which the property sits also boasts an equally impressive legacy, having been designed by Wright for a community of scientists working at the nearby Upjohn Company.

All of the homes in the 70-acre wooded community are Usonian style. While Wright designed plans for 21 homes here, only four were built, joining a fifth home known as the Fonken House, which was designed by Wright's apprentice and Taliesin fellow Francis Wilsey in 1959, shortly after Wright’s death.

But the Weisblat House still stands apart from the rest as a glowing representation of Wright's talents—in fact, the listing calls the home “a true living work of art.”

Compared with the subdivision’s other homes, this one has more privacy as it’s the furthest home back. It’s also set on 1 acre. Another unique amenity is the enclosed lap pool. There’s also a greenhouse.

As the second-highest-priced home in Galesburg, which is in southwestern Michigan, it’s outpaced by only one other Wright-designed home: the Eppstein House, also at The Acres. That home is asking $2,100,000 and has been on the market since late 2023.

Positioning this as a weekend home might score a buyer. Krause Schutte is targeting architecture fans and also “someone who appreciates great architecture and the experience of living in a Frank Lloyd Wright home, but also values convenience,” she says.

“It’s an ideal weekend house from Detroit or Chicago, and the easy access to the Grand Rapids airport makes it appealing for buyers coming in from farther away as well.”