The History, Development, and Influence of the Prairie School of Architecture

The Prairie School was as much an aesthetic movement as an architectural style. Promoting the Arts and Crafts values of simplicity, utility, and beauty, Prairie School style began in the Midwest and spread across the U.S., influencing a generation of architects around the world.

This newly revised and updated presentation examines the roots and development of the Prairie School style – from its ties to the likes of Louis Sullivan and, of course, Frank Lloyd Wright, to several other architects, including some that practiced here on the West Coast. You’ll come away from this lecture with a broader understanding of this important architectural style and be able to recognize Prairie influences in Portland neighborhoods like Irvington. A complimentary lunch will be served at the AHC after the program courtesy of sponsor WILLCO.

Before moving to Portland, presenter and AHC volunteer Jim Varner lived in Oak Park, Illinois and served as an interpreter at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio for eight years.

Sponsored by: WILLCO

This lecture program is held at the Architectural Heritage Center - 701 SE Grand Avenue

Parking is on-street (free on Saturdays) or in the parking lot on the west side of Grand Avenue between SE Yamhill and Belmont Streets - just to the north of the Grand Marketplace. Do not use the lot where Dutch Bros. Coffee is located. Thank you to Bolliger and Sons Insurance for sharing their lot with us for our evening and Saturday education programs.