Unity Temple by Frank Lloyd Wright

Photo © Steve Estes

Unity Temple by Frank Lloyd Wright

Unity Temple was one of Frank Lloyd Wright's favorite commissions. He was asked to design the church in 1905 after a storm destroyed the wooden structure. At the time, Frank Lloyd Wright's plan for a cubist building made of concrete was revolutionary. Wright choose concrete because it was, in his words, "cheap," and yet could be made as dignified as traditional masonry.

Unity Temple was constructed between 1906 and 1908 at a cost of about $60,000. The concrete was poured in place into wooden molds. Frank Lloyd Wright hoped that the building would express the powerful simplicity of ancient temples, and he suggested that it be called a "temple" instead of a church.

Worship is held at Unity Temple every Sunday by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Floor Plan of Unity Temple >>

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation >>

Buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright >>