Provenance | Dana-Thomas House

301 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, Illinois
Built 1902-4
Architect and Designer: Frank Lloyd Wright (American, 1867-1959)

In 1902 Wright was commissioned his largest project to date to remodel the large mansion owned by the flamboyant socialite and heiress Susan Lawrence Dana (1862–1946). This ambitious project was designed in the Prairie School style and included over 450 art glass windows, skylights, door panels, sconces, and light fixtures in the design and even a bowling alley.

Dana closed the main house and moved to a smaller cottage on the property in 1928 and it remained closed until Charles C. Thomas, purchased the property and furnishings in 1944. It was later sold to the State for $1,000,000 in 1981 and underwent restoration from 1987-90 to return it to its original 1910 state. It now serves as a museum and is considered the best preserved and most complete example of Wright's Prairie School houses.