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Wright designed the Coonley “Playhouse” in Riverside, Illinois, for a school begun by Queene Ferry Coonley. The practice of learning through acting out plays as a part of the school’s curriculum, lead the Wright’s title for the project.  Designed in 1912, the building became a private residence by the  1920s. Over time additions were constructed to accommodate that use. The Conservancy has been working with the current owners, who are in the process of renovating the additions and restoring the interior of original section. To give an idea of the Playhouse as originally designed and built by Wright, Conservancy preservations programs manager John Waters created this animation.

For more on current work at the  Playhouse go to the owners’ Instagram account.