Mount Vernon near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Pope-Leighey
The house of moderate cost is not only America's major architectural problem but the problem most difficult for her major architects.
- Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936
Frank Lloyd Wright's solution was the Usonian house, a modestly-scaled dwelling that was affordable, designed for modern family life, and responsive to its environment. The Pope-Leighey House exemplifies Usonian and mid-20th century design.
Commissioned in 1939 by Loren Pope, the home expressed Wright's belief in American design for the people, unburdened by past architectural traditions. Wright's innovative use of wood, brick, glass and concrete created a spacious feeling — in 1,200 square feet.
In 1964, Marjorie Leighey, the second owner, donated the house and its furnishings to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In the path of Route 66 on its original Falls Church, Virginia site, the house was relocated to Woodlawn.
Pope-Leighey's today tells the story of Wright's innovative designs for a modestly-sized and affordable house, and how two families adapted dwelling to fit their lifestyles. It is an example of preservation-in-action, thanks to Marjorie Leighey and The National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Erected by U.S. Department
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.
Location. 38° 43.141′ N, 77° 8.222′ W. Marker is near Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It is in Mount Vernon. Marker is on Outlet, 0.3 miles north of Lampert Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8900 Richmond Highway, Alexandria VA 22309, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woodlawn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The People of Woodlawn (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Woodlawn (about 400 feet away); Meat House (about 400 feet away); Dairy (about 600 feet away); Necessary (about 700 feet away); Potomac Connections (approx. ¼ mile away); Woodlawn Historic Landscapes (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 171 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
