Kankakee, IL – In an unexpected twist of fate, a North Carolina antique store yielded a treasure trove for Illinois architecture—a set of original restoration drawings for Frank Lloyd Wright’s B. Harley Bradley House, executed by Chicago architect John Eifler in the 1980s.
After being lost to time for four decades, these documents were serendipitously discovered by Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts, Alex Srisuwan and his wife Sawyer Baker. Recognizing their historical significance, the couple embarked on a journey from Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Kankakee, to hand-deliver the drawings to the Wright in Kankakee organization.
The recovered drawings provide a rare glimpse into the restoration processes of the early 1980s, intended to bring the B. Harley Bradley House back to its original splendor. The organization plans to create an exhibit that showcases these drawings alongside Frank Lloyd Wright’s original plans, offering visitors and architecture enthusiasts a window into the home’s storied past and the painstaking efforts made to preserve its legacy.
This discovery is not just a boon for historical preservation but also a testament to the enduring allure of Wright’s architectural vision. The B. Harley Bradley House, now set to host these historic artifacts, stands as a testament to the Prairie Style and Wright’s impact on American architecture.
