A house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in West Lafayette has been named a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Named Samara, the home was built by Wright for John and Catherine Christian in the 1950s. The preservation of the home isn’t the only original thing about it, though. John Christian, 97, still lives inside. He is one of the few original Wright homeowners doing so.

“Most house museums are not occupied by any owner, much less the original owner,” said Linda Eales, Samara Trust associate curator. “So we’re very lucky he feels strongly enough that it is important people come see his home.”

West Lafayette mayor John Dennis considers the house a bragging right unique to the city that has received lots of recognition for Purdue University successes.

“This is specific for the neighborhoods of West Lafayette,” stated Dennis. “West Lafayette was chosen by Frank Lloyd Wright. He had a relationship with one of the Purdue professors. The house was designed specifically for West Lafayette. It was designed to integrate into that particular pocket of the community where it’s located.”

To learn more about touring the home, email Linda Eales, [email protected], or call (765) 409-5522.

Source: WLFI