Every enthusiast of architecture understands that one of the most heart-wrenching occurrences in the realm of design is the act of demolition. This sorrow is amplified when it unfolds unexpectedly due to chance or catastrophe, leaving no room for preventative measures. In the year 2018, this very misfortune befell Frank Lloyd Wright's sole creation in Malibu: the Arch Oboler Complex. It succumbed to flames during the Woolsey fires, a catastrophic event that ravaged Southern California that fateful year. Despite certain sections of the residence enduring the scorching ordeal, governmental mandates dictated the removal of all fire-affected structures in the interest of safety. The Frank Lloyd Wright Revival Initiative reported that even though remnants of the dwelling bore the marks of the inferno, prevailing regulations necessitated their eradication. During that period, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation verified the irreversible loss of the house, underscoring that the tragedy's magnitude paled in comparison to any potential loss of human life.
The main residence before the fire.
An opportunity for a fresh start now emerges: The property that was once occupied by the residence is now up for sale. Marketed by The Agency, this expansive 100-acre parcel is priced at nearly $7.5 million and is being overseen by Sandro Dazzan. The property's description emphasizes, "A chance is at hand to reconstruct the 4,000-square-feet gatehouse/compound or embark on an entirely new endeavor." It further suggests that through the process of reconstruction, prospective owners have the potential to intimately "encounter the brilliance of Wright."
Some of the original masonry remains at the site. Berlyn Photography 2023
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation maintains a policy regarding unrealized projects by Wright, stipulating that any constructions based on his plans but erected after his demise cannot be accurately attributed as "designed by Wright," but should rather be labeled as "inspired by." The foundation's website explains that such endeavors "will inevitably entail diverse degrees of interpretation regarding how Wright himself would have executed the project, or utilized contemporary materials in today's construction landscape."
As of the time of this publication, no response had been received from a representative of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation regarding an inquiry about whether the reconstruction of a destroyed work would be assessed according to the same criteria.
Prior to its unfortunate obliteration, the property had hosted two Wright-designed edifices that were part of a planned, albeit unfinished, estate named Eaglefeather, envisioned by Wright. The residence had been commissioned by Arch Oboler, a versatile creative spanning various media, along with his wife, Eleanor. According to the Library of Congress, Arch's friendship with Wright developed during the 1940s, even leading to the concept of a cinematic biography about the architect. Post-World War II, Wright conceived a domain for the Oboler family, encompassing the couple and their four children. However, just two of the original structures materialized: the gatehouse, encompassing a living area, workspace, bedroom, bathroom, and horse stalls; and a petite cabin dubbed Eleanor's retreat. Further intended constructions encompassed a film studio, stables, and paddock, as outlined by the New York Post. While the Obolers made the gatehouse their main abode, they introduced unguided modifications beyond Wright's supervision.
A rendering shows the estimated locations of the retreat and the gatehouse.
During the year 2013, preceding proprietors undertook comprehensive refurbishments on the pair of structures, effectively restoring the property from its state of disrepair. In the aftermath of the fires, the Frank Lloyd Wright Revival Initiative extended a commitment of $45,000 to support the previous proprietors in offsetting the expenses linked to reconstructing the residence. Nonetheless, the projected expenses for the necessary restoration work were estimated to span several millions. AD (Architectural Digest) sought clarification from the Revival Initiative regarding whether this assistance offer would extend to new owners expressing an interest in reinstating the home; however, as of the time of this publication, the organization has not provided a response.
Source: Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest