Frank Wolfe (1863-1929) was responsible for much of the architecture of San Jose, California. For 35 years, he made significant contributions to what are now San Jose's historic neighborhoods.
This Web site is dedicated to the very special seven years (1911-1917) Wolfe was in business as a sole practicioner. Between 1912-1915, his son Carl worked with him as an associate. Frank produced what was probably his finest work during this time, and clients embraced his designs, especially the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Prairie houses. The Wolfe & Wolfe team became known for unusual and exciting architecture.
The California Prairies
Today, some of the most well-known of Wolfe's designs are the Prairie-style homes that can be found all over San Jose and as far away as Eureka. At first they were magnificent residences built for wealthy business owners, but the “Frank Lloyd Wright bungalows,” as they were sometimes called, proved to be so popular that a smaller version was made available.
There are over 20 documented Wolfe & Wolfe Prairies (and about 30 more that are believed to be Wolfe & Wolfe) still surviving in northern California today, many with original interiors. And that doesn't even begin to count the Prairie-inspired bungalows built after the Wolfe & Wolfe partnership ended.
They appeal to both people who like modern houses and those who love old houses. With their flat roofs, cubic form, classical ornamentation, tilework, and beautiful art glass windows, the Wolfe & Wolfe Prairies are timeless works of art.
Slideshow:
Mouse over the picture to read the captions. To keep the captions up and control the pace, click the Pause button in the bottom right, then keep your cursor on the picture and click the arrows to move through. Click the full-screen icon at the bottom right to enlarge the pictures.