David and Gladys Wright House (1950) by Frank Lloyd Wright
- MCG Official ✓ Fact Checked by For The Writers
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Originally titled “How to Live in the Southwest” in Frank Lloyd Wright’s plans, the David and Gladys Wright House stands as one of only three spiral designs ever realized by the architect—and is widely regarded as his final residential masterpiece. Designed beginning in 1950 and completed in 1952 for his son and daughter-in-law, the home exemplifies Wright’s evolving vision of desert living.
Elevated on seven columns to capture breezes and panoramic views, the house rises from a former citrus orchard at the foot of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona. Its curving form looks both outward to the vast desert and inward to a shaded central courtyard that originally featured a plunge pool and garden oasis. Wright’s signature use of patterned concrete block wraps the exterior, while the interior was fully envisioned down to custom furnishings and built-ins—each detail reinforcing a seamless sense of continuity and place.
David and Gladys Wright lived in the home for decades—David until his passing in 1997 at the age of 102, and Gladys until 2008, at 104. After their deaths, the house fell into disrepair and narrowly avoided demolition. Thanks to preservation efforts initiated in 2012 and renewed restoration work beginning in 2020, the home was saved and is now undergoing thoughtful rehabilitation under new ownership.
In January 2022, the David and Gladys Wright House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring its protection and securing its legacy as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most extraordinary late-career works.
David and Gladys Wright House Highlights
Built: 1950-1952
Client: David Wright and his wife Gladys
Address: 5212 East Exeter Blvd, Phoenix, Arizona
Size: Approx. 2,553 sq ft
Status: Privately owned. Under restoration.
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