February 28, 2003 - Ed and Diana Baehrend are opening the doors of their Frank Lloyd Wright designed home, the Arthur B. Heurtley House, to support Wonder Works, a Children’s Museum in Oak Park. A limited number of tickets at $100 each are available for a champagne and chocolate evening on March 15, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests will also enjoy a private, guided tour of the home, which is located at 318 Forest Avenue.

The Baehrends spent five years restoring the Heurtley House to its original beauty, and their meticulous efforts earned National Historic Landmark Status and awards from the Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois and Oak Park Preservation Commission. The restoration included reconstructing the original floor plan, restoring all the brickwork and art glass windows, refinishing birch trim and recreating the original color schemes through paint analyses.

Wright designed the Heurtley House in 1902 for his neighbor, banker Arthur Heurtley. The Baehrends purchased the home, located a few doors south of Wright’s home and studio, in 1997. The exterior elements contribute to a strongly horizontal whole that exemplifies Wright’s Prairie style. The interior reflects the exterior beautifully with art glass, wood trim, pitched ceiling and an arched fireplace that echoes the home’s main entrance. Besides its highly compact form, the house is distinguished by variegated brickwork.

To purchase tickets, please contact Wonder Works Executive Director Monica Garcia at 708.383.4815. Tickets are $100 per person, and all proceeds benefit the museum.

Contact: John Harris, Wonder Works Board Member, 312.345.0650.