House of Tomorrow Restored to 1933 Glory, Showcasing America’s First Glass House
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A landmark of modernist architecture, the House of Tomorrow, a pioneering glass structure first unveiled at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, has been meticulously restored to its original splendor after decades of alteration. The $4 million project, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, revives a vision of futuristic living that predates iconic glass houses by Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson.
A Glimpse into the Future
Few alive today remember seeing the House of Tomorrow as it originally appeared at Chicago’s 1933 World’s Fair. Designed by architect George Fred Keck, the 12-sided exhibition home was a radical departure from conventional housing, earning it the title of America’s first glass house. However, after being relocated to Beverly Shores, Indiana, in 1935, the home’s defining floor-to-ceiling glass walls were replaced with a facade featuring much smaller windows, obscuring Keck’s original intent for nearly 90 years.
“The house was very ahead of its time, which is an often overused term,” stated a director at the Northern Regional Office of Indiana Landmarks. “Those other glass houses have their importance in architectural history. This one is due.”
From World’s Fair Sensation to Lakeside Retreat
The 1933 World’s Fair differed significantly from its predecessor, the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, which celebrated the past. Instead, the 1933 exposition focused on the future and the potential of emerging technologies, particularly in the face of the Great Depression. The House of Tomorrow perfectly embodied this forward-looking spirit. Its glass facade maximized natural light and solar heat – concepts decades ahead of their time.
The home boasted a suite of modern amenities, including air conditioning, a GE dishwasher, an attached garage, and a refrigerator that eliminated the need for ice deliveries. Remarkably, it even featured a built-in airplane hangar, reflecting the era’s optimism about personal aviation. Keck funded the home’s construction and recouped costs by charging a 10-cent admission fee.
A Complex Restoration
The restoration process, overseen by bKL Architecture, was a significant undertaking. Each of the 12 new glass panes weighs nearly 1,000 pounds, requiring specialized teams for installation. The home’s structural systems were reinforced to support the added weight.
“Honestly, I don’t know if you could have done this 30 or 40 years ago,” said a director at bKL Architecture. “Technology has finally kind of caught up to Keck’s vision.” The new glass, triple-paned for superior insulation, aims to replicate the clarity of the original glazing, described as “very clear, like a little jewel box.”
Preserving a Legacy
The House of Tomorrow is one of five exhibition homes from the 1933 World’s Fair relocated to Beverly Shores by developer Robert Bartlett. These homes, now owned by the nonprofit Indiana Landmarks and situated within the Indiana Dunes National Park, fell into disrepair in the late 20th century. A 2000 agreement with the National Park Service offered a path to restoration through long-term leases to those willing to invest in the properties.
While four homes were successfully restored, the House of Tomorrow’s unique construction and condition initially deterred potential investors. Ultimately, federal funding from the Great American Outdoors Act secured the $4 million needed for the exterior restoration. The renovation will also include the installation of an elevator and the restoration of the original garage, with a portion of the airplane hangar space being converted into bedrooms.
Indiana Landmarks envisions the House of Tomorrow as an overnight lodging option, allowing the public greater access to this architectural treasure once construction is complete. This restoration not only preserves a significant piece of architectural history but also offers a tangible link to a time when Americans dared to dream of a brighter, more technologically advanced future.
