Gunning House
Columbus, Franklin County – first year on list
Also known as “Glenbrow,” the Gunning House in Columbus/Reynoldsburg is an outstanding example of mid-20th century architecture with a design that draws heavily on a pedigree associated with the studio of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The house, which is currently for sale, is not on the National Register of Historic Places and it is not located in Columbus proper, and is therefore not eligible for nomination to the Columbus Register. However, the house has significant history and impact. Designers of the house included Tony Smith, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, Theodore van Fossen, and Laurence Cuneo, another Wright apprentice and a noted interior designer.
The Gunning House is an example of Tony Smith’s early work; Smith went on to become a nationally known artist and sculptor. The Gunning House was a catalyst for the development of van Fossen’s philosophies of organic architecture, which had particular influence over other areas in the surrounding Columbus landscape — Rush Creek Village as one noted example. The house sits on grounds above a creekbed, creating a dialogue that is reminiscent of other Wrightian designs.
Vacant since 2005, and on the market since 2006, the house is in a state of deteriorated condition from the elements and lack of maintenance, but is not beyond repair. The house is currently on the market and a developer has expressed interest in the property to demolish and turn into a shopping center.
The Columbus Landmarks Foundation has become involved to help create awareness about the Gunning House through collecting and distributing information about the property, generating electronic advocacy alerts, and creating website and media coverage. These efforts have spurred local, statewide and national interest and generated hundreds of lookers, but no serious buyer has yet been found.
The Gunning House is an important example of the need to identify, chronicle and preserve so-called “recent past” architecture. The 20th century provided a wealth of quality architecture that merits preservation activity as surely as that from any other period.
Video: This video was created at the Gunning House in May, 2009, and features Kathy Mast Kane, Executive Director of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, and David Vottero, archiect with Schooley-Caldwell, Columbus.
Links for Additional Information:
- Columbus Landmarks Foundation – Advocacy (includes links to other articles and to a large photo essay)
- Complete List – 2009 Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites
Additional Photos: click thumbnail for larger image
