The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park

08/30/2026

Part 2: The Answer

Five days ago, we shared the letter that started it all — Russell Kraus, moved by a *House Beautiful* article titled "The Love Affair of a Man and his House," writing to Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin with a single consuming passion: “I have a consuming passion to live in a house designed by you."

On August 30, 1948, Wright's reply arrived. No fanfare, no lengthy explanation — just his characteristic directness:

“Dear Russell Kraus: You should have the nice little house. Condense your needs, comply with the enclosed sheet and we will make you a plan."

Sincerely yours, Frank Lloyd Wright

Five sentences. One decision. And a promise that would give Missouri its first Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence.

That promise — from a man who dared to ask, to an architect willing to answer — is the reason the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park stands today. This year we mark 75 years since groundbreaking and 25 years as a public treasure, still welcoming visitors who walk the same halls Russell once only dreamed of.

Thank you, Russell Kraus, for writing that letter. And thank you, Mr. Wright, for saying yes.

Celebrate this legacy with us at Preserving What's Wright, September 13.

08/28/2026

Become a FLWHEP member and enter a raffle to WIN 2 TICKETS TO PRESERVING WHATS WRIGHT on September 13th.

https://ebsworthpark.org/support/membership/

Free tours, special access to events and programming, being part of a vibrant community and helping preserve a landmark. Be part of it all!

Become A Member HELP US KEEP WRIGHT WITHIN REACH The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park expresses Wright's vision for design that's within reach of America's middle class. With your support we can preserve his work, share his vision, and inspire visitors from across St. Louis and around

08/26/2026

A bird’s-eye view of Kirberg Roofing’s work on the Kraus House’s flat roof section, where a Sika membrane was installed for a waterproof seal.

08/25/2026

His words still stop us in our tracks: “Mr. Wright, I have a consuming passion to live in a house designed by you.”

That single letter — equal parts courage, devotion, and hope — set in motion the design and construction of the Kraus House, Missouri’s first Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence. Today it stands as the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park, welcoming visitors from around the world.

This year we celebrate 75 years since groundbreaking and 25 years as a public treasure — a legacy made possible because one man believed a house could be more than shelter, and had the nerve to ask.

Thank you, Russell Kraus, for writing that letter.

08/24/2026

Thank you to all our incredible sponsors for their generous support of Preserving What's Wright, celebrating 75 years since groundbreaking and 25 years as a public site at the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park.

From our Presenting Sponsors Clare Davis and David Obedin, to every Usonian, Parallelogram, Hexagon, and Triangle-level sponsor — your partnership makes our preservation work possible.

Join us on September 13 to celebrate — tickets are going fast! Get yours here: https://ebsworthpark.org/events/preserving-whats-wright-benefit-3/

08/20/2026

Russell Kraus is well known as the man who, along with his wife Ruth, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design his Kirkwood home. What fewer people know: Kraus was an artist in his own right.

This year’s Preserving What’s Wright event debuts a special exhibit of Kraus’s original artwork, a rare look at the man who didn’t just live inside a work of art, but created it throughout his life.

To purchase tickets - https://ebsworthpark.org/events/preserving-whats-wright-benefit-3/

08/20/2026

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood.

08/19/2026

https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/frank-lloyd-wright-house-in-ebsworth-park-celebrates-dual-anniversary-and-honors-longtime-kirkwood-resident/article_2a389d6c-dbf0-4a99-bbd6-7bc2b36d3e74.html

The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park will celebrate a landmark year by honoring longtime Kirkwood resident Sharon Croissant as the inaugural Preserving What’s Wright Legacy Honoree.