Smith House (Frank Lloyd Wright, Bloomfield Hills)
The Smith House, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is a meticulously preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian architecture, representing his vision for affordable, quality homes for the American middle class. Completed in 1950, the 1,800-square-foot residence stands as a testament to the determination of Sara Stein Smith and Melvyn Maxwell Smith, school teachers who pursued their architectural dream despite modest means. Today, the house is open to the public for tours and is stewarded by the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
History
The Smith House originated from a meeting between Sara and Melvyn Smith and Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin in 1941 [1]. The couple, both educators, were deeply interested in architecture and decided to commission Wright to design a custom home for them. This commission was undertaken despite their limited financial resources, demonstrating their commitment to realizing their architectural aspirations. Wright’s Usonian designs were specifically intended to address the need for well-designed, affordable housing for middle-class families, making the Smith House a particularly significant example of this architectural philosophy.
The house was designed in 1946 and construction was completed in 1950 [2]. In 2017, the house was donated to Cranbrook Educational Community by The Towbes Foundation, with support from Anne Smith Towbes and the late Michael Towbes, ensuring its preservation and continued accessibility to the public. A meticulous restoration of the house was undertaken between 2010 and 2011 by a private foundation [3]. The Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research is now responsible for its stewardship and for providing tours to visitors from around the world.
Geography
The Smith House is situated on nearly three acres of wooded land in a suburb of Detroit, specifically in Bloomfield Township [4]. The site originally featured a meadow interspersed with maple and oak trees, as well as a marshland fed by a small stream [5]. Melvyn Smith personally undertook the work of dredging the marsh to create a pond, integrating the natural landscape into the design of the property.
The house itself is tucked into a small hill, utilizing the natural topography to create a sense of integration with the surrounding environment. The rear of the house features floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the pond and marshes, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space. The landscaping, designed in the late 1950s by Thomas Church, further enhances the connection between the house and its natural setting. The address of the Smith House is 5045 Ponvalley Road, Bloomfield Township, Michigan 48302 [6].
Attractions
The primary attraction is the house itself, offering tours that provide insight into Wright’s Usonian architectural principles and the lives of Sara and Melvyn Smith [7]. Tours highlight the unique features of the home, its landscape, and the story of the couple who commissioned it. Reservations are required in advance, and tickets can be purchased online or, if available, at the Cranbrook Art Museum on weekends.
Bloomfield Hills offers several other attractions in close proximity to the Smith House. The Saarinen House, also located on the Cranbrook campus, is a notable destination, with tours scheduled to follow Smith House tours [8]. Additionally, the Affleck House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and owned by Lawrence Technological University, is available for tours on the third Saturday of most months. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the Smith House with explorations of these other architectural landmarks.
Notable Residents
Sara Stein Smith and Melvyn Maxwell Smith were both school teachers who shared a deep appreciation for architecture [9]. Despite their modest salaries, they were determined to build a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, reflecting their commitment to quality design and their belief in the Usonian ideal. They met Wright at Taliesin in 1941 and began the process of commissioning their home.
The Smiths lived in the house and actively shaped the surrounding landscape, with Melvyn Smith personally dredging the marsh to create the pond that is now a central feature of the property [10]. Their dedication to the project and their appreciation for the natural environment are evident in the thoughtful design and integration of the house with its surroundings. The house remained in their possession until it was donated to Cranbrook Educational Community in 2017.
Getting There
The Smith House is located at 5045 Ponvalley Road, Bloomfield Township, Michigan 48302 [11]. Bloomfield Hills is a suburb of Detroit, easily accessible by car. From Detroit, visitors can take I-75 North to the Square Lake Road exit and follow the signs to Bloomfield Hills. Parking is available near the Smith House.
Public transportation options to Bloomfield Hills are limited. Visitors may need to utilize a combination of bus routes and ride-sharing services to reach the Smith House. The tour season runs from the first weekend in May to the last weekend in November, with tours offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:00pm, and on Saturdays at 11:00am [12]. Ticket sales close at 5:00pm the day prior to the tour.
Architecture of Detroit
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Frank Lloyd Wright
Usonian architecture
Cranbrook Educational Community