– Leader of Rockford Laurent House preservation effort
– Rockford Laurent House preservation effort dies.
Remembering Jerry Heinzeroth: The Man Who Preserved Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece
Jerry Heinzeroth, the founder and former president of the Laurent House Foundation, passed away on January 19 at the age of 81. His dedication and passion ensured that the 2,600-square-foot Laurent House, designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, would be preserved and open to the public as a museum in Rockford.
The Laurent House, located on Spring Brook Road, was considered one of Wright’s greatest building designs. It held a special place in Wright’s heart, as he referred to it as his “little gem.” What made this house particularly unique was that it was the only accessible home designed by Wright before the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its historical significance cannot be overstated.
At one point, the Laurent House was at risk of being sold and moved out of Rockford. However, thanks to the efforts of Jerry Heinzeroth and the volunteers he recruited, along with the $1.5 million raised from the community, the house and its contents were saved. Today, thousands of people visit the Laurent House each year, exploring and appreciating its architectural beauty.
Jerry Heinzeroth played a pivotal role in ensuring the preservation of the Laurent House. Without his dedication and drive, it is unlikely that the house would be open to the public as a museum today. John Groh, President and CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, acknowledged Heinzeroth’s contribution, stating that his passion and commitment were instrumental in fulfilling the Laurents’ dream of preserving their home.
Jerry Heinzeroth and his wife, Barbara, were close friends with Ken and Phyllis Laurent, the original owners of the house. Ken, a World War II veteran, became a paraplegic after a tumor was removed from his spine, confining him to a wheelchair. In 1948, Ken commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design a home that would cater to his specific needs.
Wright’s design, known as the “Usonian” style, featured grand, horizontal sight lines and floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly connected the house to its surroundings. The furniture, also designed by Wright, was intentionally lower than usual to allow visitors to be at the same or lower height as Ken, making him feel more comfortable and included.
Ken and Phyllis lived in the Laurent House for 60 years, and Ken attributed his longevity to living in a house designed just for him. The house represented the remarkable collaboration between the world’s greatest architect and a humble disabled veteran. It was truly a one-of-a-kind piece of architecture.
Mary Beth Peterson, the Executive Director of the Laurent Foundation, described Jerry Heinzeroth as brilliant, passionate, and creative. She considered him a visionary who inspired others to get excited about the possibilities of the Laurent House. His legacy will undoubtedly live on through the museum, which continues to captivate visitors with its architectural significance.
Jerry Heinzeroth is survived by his sons, Brock and Blake. A celebration of his life was held on Monday, where friends and loved ones gathered to honor his memory.
In conclusion, Jerry Heinzeroth’s dedication and passion for preserving the Laurent House ensured that it would be cherished by the community for years to come. His role in saving this architectural masterpiece is invaluable, and his legacy will be remembered by all who visit the museum..
1. Laurent House preservation effort
2. Leader of Rockford Laurent House preservation effort.
