Nov 17, 1977
Richard Cluever House (Alcuin Montessori School)- National Register of Historic Places
Statement of Significance: Designed by John S. Van Bergen, the Richard Cluever Residence is of considerable significance because it reflects the full maturity of the Prairie School movement. Van Bergen's excellent sense of proportions works so well in this design that the Cluever Residence might well be mistaken for a work of the master and originator of the Prairie School, Frank Lloyd Wright. As a residence the structure is orientated very much to the outdoors because of its many verandas and balconies. Its rows of casement windows swing out to admit a pleasant view of the beautifully landscaped grounds and adjoining river and forest preserve. This natural theme is very Wrightian especially in its sense of combining architecture and nature. It is probable that Jens Jensen, the famed landscape Architect, collaborated with Van Bergen as he did with other Prairie architects in designing the landscaping and which includes a prairie river. The precise rectilinear forms of the Cluever Residence characterize the Prairie school movement in architecture which helped achieve a new architectural expression rejecting the historical styles revival of the early 20th century. Photo: Larry Arquilla
Richard Cluever House (Alcuin Montessori School)- National Register of Historic Places
Statement of Significance: Designed by John S. Van Bergen, the Richard Cluever Residence is of considerable significance because it reflects the full maturity of the Prairie School movement. Van Bergen's excellent sense of proportions works so well in this design that the Cluever Residence might well be mistaken for a work of the master and originator of the Prairie School, Frank Lloyd Wright. As a residence the structure is orientated very much to the outdoors because of its many verandas and balconies. Its rows of casement windows swing out to admit a pleasant view of the beautifully landscaped grounds and adjoining river and forest preserve. This natural theme is very Wrightian especially in its sense of combining architecture and nature. It is probable that Jens Jensen, the famed landscape Architect, collaborated with Van Bergen as he did with other Prairie architects in designing the landscaping and which includes a prairie river. The precise rectilinear forms of the Cluever Residence characterize the Prairie school movement in architecture which helped achieve a new architectural expression rejecting the historical styles revival of the early 20th century. Photo: Larry Arquilla
Nov 17, 1977
Posted Date
Mar 30, 2022
Historical Record Date
Nov 17, 1977
Source Name
United States Department of Interior - National Park Service
