An Architectural Pilgrimage
What a great place in life to be. Early in the design phase of Heron's House, two years ago, Julie and I took a trip to Illinois and Wisconsin. During that trip we stopped off and visited the Robie House and a dozen others F.L.W. homes in Oak Park. That trip was inspirational on so many different levels and contributed greatly to many decisions regarding our home.
On May 18th, 2007, Bart Smith, our architect and good friend, and I, went on a journey to observe some outstanding residential architecture. We did the Wright Plus tour in Oak Park, the tour included ten homes on a picture perfect day.
2500 of us from all over the world purchased tickets for the annual event and had the privilege to see the inside of these fantastic properties. Oak Park is not all that different than Encinitas, although it's downtown has some issues of decay. What struck me was how many folks from all over the world just like us, showed up to view historic properties. I referenced our trip in a presentation I made in Encinitas regarding a historic preservation ordinance that we are pushing for. I think the historic fiber in Encinitas if preserved will also one day be an attraction for folks from all over the world.
In one of the homes, I was awe struck by a copper repousse in the dinning room of the home. I could not get a picture of it even though I pleaded mightily, no interior photography was the rule of the day. The repousse has inspired me for my own home.
It was a great trip with a good friend. Thank you to our gracious host for two days, Bart's cousin Kathy.
