The Neils House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s rare Usonian designs built in 1951, is officially on the market for $2.495 million. David Stickney of Coldwell Banker Realty Stickney Real Estate is handling the listing for this three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence on Burnham Blvd. It sits on a private half-acre parcel on the southeast shore of Cedar Lake, separated from the water by a strip of city parkland. This isn't just a house; it’s a piece of architectural history that blends into the landscape rather than dominating it.
Most Wright homes rely heavily on wood, but this one breaks the mold with marble-bearing walls, larch panelling, and aluminium-framed windows. Stickney describes the location as "incredibly quiet and peaceful," noting that the design makes the lake and parkland feel like an extension of the living space. The home features dramatic vaulted ceilings, a massive Wrightian fireplace, and custom-built furnishings that remain largely intact from 1951. Recent updates include a contemporary two-car garage, a synthetic shake roof, and new HVAC systems, ensuring the historic structure functions as a modern home.
The property has a long, stable lineage. Frieda and Henry J. Neils held the home for over five decades before passing it to their daughter, Mary Louise Neils McGee. Her estate sold the house in 2007 for $2.4 million. The second owners performed essential electrical and mechanical updates without altering the original structure, preserving the home’s integrity. When the property was listed in 2018 for $3.4 million, it failed to attract buyers, leading to a reduction to $2.95 million. The current asking price is only $95,000 higher than what the current owners paid nearly two decades ago.
Minneapolis recognizes the home for its "artistic value and innovative design," further cementing its status through its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Few properties in the Twin Cities carry such a distinct record. Stickney targets buyers with a strong appreciation for architecture who want to live in a unique, functional space. The market will decide if the $2.495 million price tag reflects the true value of owning a piece of Wright’s legacy.