A remarkable discovery beneath the bench seating of an Ohio home has led to the construction of Frank Lloyd Wright's final, previously unbuilt design. The four-part documentary series "The Last Wright" will premiere on Magnolia Network, showcasing the extraordinary journey of a mother-daughter team who brought the legendary architect's last vision to reality more than 60 years after his death.
The story begins in 1953, when Louis Penfield commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a house for his Ohio property. However, Wright passed away in 1959 before the project could be completed, and the blueprints seemingly vanished into history. The original plans were never executed, partly because another home already occupied the intended site.
In 2018, Sarah Dykstra purchased the Ohio property and made an incredible discovery while exploring her new home. Hidden underneath the house's built-in bench seating, she found Wright's original architectural plans for the unbuilt design. This serendipitous find would spark an ambitious project that would captivate architecture enthusiasts and television audiences alike.
Sarah and her mother, Debbie Dykstra, embarked on an extraordinary mission to construct Wright's organic-style house exactly as the master architect had envisioned it. The mother-daughter duo was committed to creating an entirely authentic representation of Wright's design, refusing to compromise on the architect's original vision despite the challenges that lay ahead.
To ensure historical accuracy and architectural integrity, the Dykstras consulted extensively with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and collaborated closely with the Wright Building Conservancy. They also sought guidance from other homeowners whose residences had been designed by Wright, gathering insights into the architect's design philosophy and construction methods. This comprehensive approach demonstrated their dedication to honoring Wright's legacy with meticulous attention to detail.
The construction process presented numerous obstacles, particularly in adapting Wright's 1950s design to comply with modern building codes and construction standards. The Dykstras faced significant challenges in sourcing appropriate materials and implementing Wright's innovative architectural concepts within contemporary regulatory frameworks. Despite these hurdles, they remained determined to complete what they named the RiverRock House, staying true to Wright's original specifications.
The four-part series documents every aspect of the building process, from the initial discovery of the blueprints to the final completion of the 2,000-square-foot home. Viewers will witness the Dykstras navigating the complexities of material sourcing, consulting with experts on design authenticity, and overcoming the inevitable complications that arise when historical architecture meets modern building requirements.
The finished RiverRock House stands as a testament to Wright's enduring genius and the Dykstras' unwavering commitment to architectural preservation. The home features several distinctive Wright elements, including heated floors throughout, locally sourced rocks from the Chagrin River as specifically designated by Wright himself, and a striking living room with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
The project's success has garnered significant attention from both architecture enthusiasts and the general public. The completed home is now available as an Airbnb rental, allowing visitors to experience Wright's final design firsthand. This accessibility ensures that the architect's last creation can be appreciated by a broader audience beyond the confines of the television series.
Social media response to Magnolia Network's announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans expressing excitement about the unique premise. "What an amazing concept. Cannot wait!" commented one enthusiast on the network's Instagram trailer. Even current owners of Wright-designed homes have expressed their enthusiasm for seeing the architect's final design finally brought to life after decades in obscurity.
"The Last Wright" will premiere on Wednesday, September 3, at 8:00 p.m. ET on Magnolia Network, with episodes available for streaming on HBO Max the following day. The series is executive produced by Chip and Joanna Gaines, adding their expertise in home renovation and design storytelling to this unique architectural documentary. The show promises to offer viewers an unprecedented look at both Wright's design genius and the extraordinary dedication required to bring a lost architectural masterpiece into the modern world.
