Allen House

The Henry J. Allen House, completed in 1919, stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s final Prairie School designs, showcasing a significant development in his architectural style. Located in Wichita's College Hill neighborhood, the house was built for Henry J. Allen, a prominent newspaper editor who went on to serve as Kansas governor and a U.S. senator. The L-shaped design centers around an outdoor terrace with a large reflecting pool, surrounded by a garden house and a tall boundary wall. The house’s architecture emphasizes horizontal lines, deep roof overhangs, and textured brickwork, which are hallmarks of Wright’s Prairie Style, creating a strong connection between the building and its environment.

The interior reflects Wright’s signature style with geometric stained glass windows, built-in woodwork, and a palette that ties the indoors to the outdoors. The design was influenced by Wright’s recent non-residential projects, including Midway Gardens and the Imperial Hotel, with Asian-inspired details incorporated into the decor. While Wright was in Tokyo for much of the construction, the project was managed by Don Buel Schuyler, who oversaw its completion in 1919. The Allens lived in the home until their deaths in 1950, after which the property passed through several owners. Now restored, the Allen House serves as a museum, offering insight into Wright’s mature Prairie Style and his approach to integrating architecture with its surroundings.