Earlier this month, Frank Lloyd Wright’s last residential design, the Norman Lykes’ House at 6836 N. 36th Street—which was represented by Jack Luciano, Raul Siqueiros and Roxanne Johnson—sold for $1,677,500 at a live, public auction held in Phoenix by Heritage Auctions.
The auction took place inside the iconic, 3,095-square-foot, curvilinear, two-story home. Bidding opened at $750,000 and the response from the 19 registered bidders on-site was swift. Offers quickly jumped to $1.5 million before the hammer came down at $1.67 million.
“It’s one of only 14 circular homes Wright designed,” Jack told Mansion Global prior to the sale. “And it’s only had two owners, which is unheard of with Frank Lloyd Wright homes.”
A strategic, combined marketing and public relations effort by The Agency and Heritage Auctions was widely credited with raising the profile of the home among potential buyers around the globe.
“The process was extremely smooth and the auction was run very well,” Jack said. “The public reaction has been very positive and the response to my social media has been extremely well received, with most stating the home sold for what they thought it would go for.”
The three-bedroom, three-bath home was sold fully furnished, complete with the original furniture and fixtures Wright designed specifically for this house.
“It was such an honor and privilege to represent this home,” said Raul. “It is a gorgeous example of Wright’s design—its organic architecture and curved lines mirror the shape of the Phoenix Mountains. I’m thrilled the sale was so well received by the bidders.”
While the winning bidder does not wish to be identified, the auction house revealed that he lives out of state and plans to keep the home intact and use it as a vacation home.
Also known as “The Circular Sun House,” the estate was commissioned by the Lykes family, constructed over eight years and completed in 1959. Updates made in 1994 by the current owner were approved by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Finishes include stainless wrapped kitchen counters, honed Italian rose marble in the master bath and handpicked slate floors from India. The iconic estate is located on more than 1.3 acres on the edge of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.
