Usonia: Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘utopian’ town

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Jun 6, 2025

Roland Reisley, the last founding member of Usonia, shares his unique experiences living in this extraordinary community designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. At 100 years old, he reflects on what it was like to collaborate with the legendary architect, revealing the blend of innovation and controversy that defined Usonia. Reisley discusses the principles behind the architecture, emphasizing harmony with nature and affordability. He recounts the community's creation during the Great Depression and highlights how these designs fostered a profound sense of belonging among residents.

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ANECDOTE

Roland Reisley's Wright Experience

Roland Reisley, last living client of Wright, describes a remarkable experience working with him.
Wright was responsive and became a mentor and friend to Reisley.

INSIGHT

Affordable Housing Vision in Depression

During the Depression, the idea of affordable country homes seemed a pipe dream.
Wright agreed to design a community of homes costing $5,000 under those difficult conditions.

INSIGHT

Wright's Nature Integration

Wright designed houses to connect deeply with nature, scattered without fences between them.
He believed buildings should be part of the land, not just placed on it.

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In 1948, the foundation was laid for a “utopian” community of houses designed by a man described as America’s greatest ever architect.

Frank Lloyd Wright had been approached by a group who wanted to create a social collective of affordable homes, on land an hour north of New York city.

The group of 47 flat-roofed, open-plan homes became known as Usonia. Roland Reisley, now aged 100, is the last founding member of the community where he still lives.

He reveals what it was like to be a client of the famous, but controversial, Frank Lloyd Wright, and explains why Usonia has been the backdrop to a long and happy life.

This episode was produced in partnership with BBC Video, from an interview by Anna Bressanin, and presented by Jane Wilkinson.

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(Photo: Roland Reisley's home, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Credit AP Photo/Ed Bailey)