Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kalil House in New Hampshire Added to National Register of Historic Places
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been officially designated a National Historic Place, recognizing its architectural significance and preserving a rare example of American design.
The Kalil House, completed in 1957, is one of only seven surviving examples of Wright’s “Usonian Automatic” homes, a variation on his earlier “Usonian” style intended to provide affordable housing. Commissioned by Dr. Toufic and Mildred Kalil, the home was constructed using 2,580 concrete blocks, featuring a poured concrete floor, numerous rectangular windows, and mahogany interior finishes. Despite the aim of reducing building costs, the final price tag reached $75,000, significantly exceeding the initial $25,000 estimate.
According to the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources, the Kalil House “retains an extremely high level of integrity, having undergone no alterations or major restorations since it was completed.” Remarkably, the residence still contains nearly all of its original furnishings designed by Wright, including lamps, rugs, fixtures, and furniture. This designation helps ensure the continued preservation of a key piece of architectural history for future generations.
The Currier Museum of Art, which also owns the nearby Zimmerman House – another Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece – purchased the Kalil House in 2019. Tours of both properties are available through the museum; you can find more information about visiting here. Officials stated that the designation will support ongoing preservation efforts and enhance public access to these important cultural resources.
