The Weltzheimer/Johnson House at Oberlin College is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House situated several blocks from campus. Designed in 1947 and completed in 1949, it is the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public.

A clear expression of Wright’s Usonian design philosophy, the Weltzheimer/Johnson House demonstrates an architectural answer to the demand for beautiful and affordable middle-class homes in post-World War II America. The concepts of organic architecture had evolved into these Usonian characteristics by the time of the house’s construction: a flowing floor plan with distinct public and private wings; a slab floor of concrete with grid patterning and radiant heat; a flat roof and cantilevered carport; a centralized masonry fireplace; board-and-batten ceilings with “sandwich” walls; built-in furniture; and tall glass windows and doors opening to the landscape.

The Weltzheimer/Johnson House may in certain ways be a typical Usonian home, but has notable aesthetic idiosyncrasies, including the wooden balls ornamenting its cornice, the uniquely curvilinear design of its perforated board windows, and the use of redwood (instead of the usual cypress) throughout its interior and exterior.

Commissioned by the Weltzheimer family in 1947 and completed in 1949, the house originally stood amid cornfields on a large lot across from the Oberlin Golf Club (founded in 1899 and active today). After the Weltzheimers sold the property, alterations to Wright’s design were made by intervening developers. The property went through several stages of conservation before it was bequeathed to Oberlin College in 1992.

In 1968, the home was purchased by Ellen H. Johnson, the distinguished art history professor at Oberlin College who started its famed art rental program. Johnson, a well-known art critic and collector, hosted such artists as Robert Morris in her home. With the help of her many students and local contractors, Johnson restored much of the property to its original state as designed by Wright. She bequeathed the house to Oberlin College and, following her death in 1992, it has been overseen by the AMAM and the Art Department.

Accessibility

Limited accessible parking is available near the back entrance to the home. Download directions to the accessibility parking at the house.

This historic home is partially accessible to wheelchairs and fully accessible to most rolling walkers. The presentation space is wheelchair accessible and seating is available but limited. The restroom is not wheelchair accessible, nor gender specific. No listening devices or ASL interpretation will be available at this event. 

If you have questions or need to make arrangements, please email education.amam@oberlin.edu or call 440-775-8671.

Augmented reality tour

Take a sneak peek before you come with Allen Augmented Reality, which gives you a 3D preview of the space. Seeing the house in person is a completely different experience.

Private tours

Tours for groups of 10 purchased tickets or more are available from April through early November. Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks prior to the visit and subject to availability. To inquire about a private tour, please email education.amam@oberlin.edu or call 440-775-8671.

Affordability

If the admission cost is a financial hardship, please contact jgreenwo@oberlin.edu to inquire about your options.