For those who can afford it, the “other” Martin House by Frank Lloyd Wright is up for sale in Oak Park, outside of Chicago for a cool $1.38 million. The price for 636 N. East Avenue has dropped from the original $1.57 million after being on the market about a year. Considering the over $50 million being spent on the Martin house here in Buffalo, the price comparatively almost seems like a steal.
William E. Martin was the brother of Darwin Martin. William actually gave Darwin the idea of using Wright for his new residence in Buffalo. The two brothers owned a business together back in called the E-Z Polish Company. The factory was built in 1905 by Wright and was made of reinforced concrete and clad in brick. The building still stands, but I’m not certain if it is in use.
Wright in his typical fashion did not like William at all, but tried to remain civil because of his relationship with Darwin. Sometime after the William Martin house was built and the E-Z Polish building was under construction Wright and William had a falling out. The following is from a letter to Darwin from William regarding Wright:
Dear Brother,
If you or the Larkin Co. owe Frank Lloyd Wright any money, please refuse to pay until you hear further from me. He has served me a dirty, mean trick, for which he ought to pay, but it would be useless to sue him unless there is something due him in Buffalo, as he is not worth a dollar and probably never will be.
At this writing I can only say that he is not a man I would ever have any dealings with.
Sincerely yours,
W. E. Martin
W. E. Martin
This was sent after Wright had designed his Oak Park home which was built in 1903 in his signature prairie style. What makes the home a bit strange is the verticality of the design which was uncommon during his prairie period. Although the house needs a little TLC like any Wright house, it still has great potential and is a great piece of history.
Images from Curbed and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate
Quote Source: Many Masks: A Life of Frank Lloyd Wright by Brendan Gill
Information Source: Curbed and notes from Jack Quinan’s FLW class