Interesting Architecture: Iowa’s Cedar Rock
Updated: Apr. 06, 20202611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Doris Iowa businessman Lowell Walter and his wife, Agnes, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build their
2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Doris
Iowa businessman Lowell Walter and his wife, Agnes, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build their dream home on a limestone bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River.
The Walters were ardent admirers of Wright’s uncluttered architectural designs, and they gave him free rein to design the building—plus all the furniture, carpets, draperies, and even the accessories. When completed in 1950, he “signed” Cedar Rock with one of his red signature tiles.
One story high and measuring 150 feet in length, Cedar Rock was built “green” and blends in with its natural surroundings. The roof and floors are concrete; the walls are brick, glass, and natural walnut. Daylight floods the interior. Spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows enclose the Garden Room on three sides and frame a breathtaking view of the river and wooded valley below.
The home is now open to the public in Cedar Rock State Park, a gift of the Walter family to the Iowa State Conservation Commission, along with a trust fund to assure its preservation.
Open Tues.–Sun. May–Oct. Admission charged.
(319) 934- 3572
