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State Park Overview |
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When Iowa businessman Lowell Walter died in August of 1981, he and his wife, Agnes, left their dream home, Cedar Rock, to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the people of Iowa. Designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the residence lies on a limestone bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River near Quasqueton in Buchanan County.
The Design
The Walter house was one of Wrights most complete designs. Nearly everything at Cedar Rock bears the architects imprint. Wright designed the furniture, selected the carpets, chose the draperies and even picked out the accessories. Cedar Rock was begun in 1948 and completed in 1950. Its roof and floors are concrete the walls are brick, glass and walnut. Cedar Rock is one of seven residences Wright designed in Iowa.
The Style
The Walter house is an example of a simplified style of house Frank Lloyd Wright developed and called "Usonian". The plan for the Walter house follows the characteristic "tadpole" form, typical of Wrights Usonian homesthe bedroom wing of the house constituting the tail of the "tadpole" and the living/dining room the head. The house is one story and the overall length is about 150 feet. Everything about the Walter residence is compact and efficienteverything, that is, but the combination living/dining room which Wright called "the Garden Room". The Garden Room covers more than 900 square feet and has a fireplace which can hold five-foot logs.
Lighting
The view of the river and wooded valley, through the Garden Rooms three glass walls, is breathtaking. Glass doors open directly from living areas to ground-level terraces. Natural light fills the house. Broad overhangs with upturned edges soften sunlight and shade the glass walls. There are openings in the overhangs covered with vines for summer shade. Clerestory windows, or "skylights", are incorporated in every room to brighten interior spaces and release hot air trapped near the ceiling. Recessed artificial lighting creates the effect of natural light, even at night.
Maintenance
The Walters were justifiably proud of Cedar Rock. Very little has been altered in the house since its construction and the structure and furnishings are in good condition. The Walters have assured preservation of the residence by providing a trust fund for the perpetual maintenance of the property. |
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More Info | |
... 319) 934-3558 Pine Creek Mission Baptist Church (319) 934-3635 LOCAL RECREATIONAL SITES Cedar Rock State Park Home of the late Lowell Walters designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Open Daily May ... | |
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... 319) 934-3558 Pine Creek Mission Baptist Church (319) 934-3635 Local Recreation Sites CEDAR ROCK STATE PARK-home of the late Lowell Walters designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Open Daily May-November ... | |
... locked in a glass case in the Visitor Center. In 1991 it was donated to the Cedar Rock State Park by Dwight and Nancy Burghart, quickly becoming the highlight of the Visitor Center. All appears ... | |
... won the State Middle School Envirothon competition on April 27, 2002 at Cedar Rock State Park in Burlington. The Pond Sweepers are a group of home schooled students. They also won highest score in ... | |
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... will be the topic for the Clubs May meeting. ? A photo shoot trip to Cedar Rock State Park near Quasqueton in Buchanan County is planned for Saturday May 31st. The park is centered around a ... |
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