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Summary
Bernard and Fern Schwartz House, aka “Still Bend”
3425 Adams Street, Two Rivers, Manitowoc County
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright
Built 1940
While notable as among Frank Lloyd Wright’s early/pre-World War II examples of Usonian houses, the Schwartz home is perhaps most well-known for its association with a twenty-two-page feature in the September 26, 1938 issue of Life magazine entitled “Eight Houses for Modern Living.” The magazine had chosen four families located in different geographical areas, each family with an annual income at one of four, specific income levels (between $2,000 and $12,000). Each family was then assigned two architects; one charged with designing a modern house, the other a traditional-style residence. Wright was assigned the Blackbourn family of Minneapolis, Minnesota, whose annual income was $5,000. Although the Blackbourns did not ultimately choose to build the Wright-designed home, its design appealed to Two Rivers resident Bernard Schwartz, who would contact Wright after seeing the magazine article. Although not an exact replica of the published 1938 design, the red brick, Red Tidewater cypress board-and-batten and glass Schwartz home was developed directly from the plans Wright submitted for the 1938 housing promotion. Completed in 1940, the Schwartz family remained in the house until 1970.
The home’s name derives directly from the subdivision in which it was built: the Still Bend Addition. The subdivision took its name from a bend in the river that stills the waters and creates a beautiful natural landscape of marsh grasses and water.
The house was utilized as a private residence through 2003. Between 2003 and 2004, the house underwent a significant restoration effort, after which it has since served as a vacation rental. Although available for rental, the house remains in private hands. Please respect the rights and privacy of the property owner, as well as those who have chosen to experience life in the home.
Property Details
Resources Within The Property
Designations
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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W. Burnham St.
85002166
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
