FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

Capturing Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Ethan Tweedie

his past fall, I had the unique opportunity to photograph another Frank Lloyd Wright home—the Meyer May House in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was a special experience as I was visiting my Mom, who had recently moved to Ludington, Michigan, the town where she grew up. Ludington is a place I hold dear, with its pristine sugar sand beaches, lighthouses, and a wealth of outdoor activities that made for wonderful childhood memories.

While in Michigan for a few weeks, I thought it would be the perfect time to make a short trip to Grand Rapids and visit the Meyer May House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic properties. After contacting Steelcase Inc., who owns and operates the property, they graciously offered a private tour just for my Mom and me, along with a few hours to photograph the home. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I’m thrilled to share the stunning images from this unforgettable experience.

The Meyer May House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908 for Meyer May, a local businessman. As one of the best examples of Wright’s Prairie School style, the home features low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, and horizontal lines that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The interior is characterized by open spaces, custom-built furniture, and natural materials like wood and stone—hallmarks of Wright’s visionary design.

After the May family sold the home in the 1940s, the property was rezoned for multi-family use. In the 1980s, Steelcase Inc. purchased the house and undertook a meticulous restoration, returning the home to Wright’s original vision. Today, the Meyer May House is open to the public as a museum, offering tours that allow visitors to experience Wright’s architectural brilliance up close.

I want to give a special thanks to Don Dekker, Director of the Meyer May House, for the personal tour and for allowing me the opportunity to photograph this magnificent property. The photos were captured on October 7th, 2022 and provide a glimpse into the beauty and timeless appeal of Wright’s design.

Ethan specializes in photography for luxury real estate, architects, interior designers, and luxury hotels and resorts. Ethan serves all of the Hawaiian Islands including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai. You may contact me at 808-938-4665 | ethantweedie@gmail.com

Photography of the Only Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Hawaii | Waimea | Big Island by Ethan Tweedie

In 2015, I had the distinct honor of photographing the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the State of Hawaii. To my surprise, this architectural gem was located in my own hometown of Waimea, Hawaii, which made the experience even more extraordinary.

This stunning home was based on an unbuilt design by Frank Lloyd Wright from 1954. While the project was initially shelved, it was brought to life in 1995, thanks to the meticulous plans created by Taliesin Associated Architects in Scottsdale, Arizona. This firm is affiliated with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which is the sole entity authorized to oversee the construction of Wright’s unbuilt works. Local builder Hans Torweihe oversaw the home's construction, with recent interior design work by Willman Interiors.

The home sits on nearly 3 acres of land, perched on a bluff that overlooks the beautiful Keanuiomano Stream. In the distance, the majestic Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai volcanoes provide a breathtaking backdrop. The property is strategically positioned to take full advantage of some of the most panoramic and scenic views on the Big Island.

This one-of-a-kind property is privately owned, but Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts and vacationers alike have the rare opportunity to rent this architectural masterpiece. For those interested, more information is available through the property’s Airbnb Link

Ethan specializes in photography for luxury hotels and resorts, luxury real estate, architects, and interior designers across all the Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.  I also travel to mainland locations for select projects.  For inquiries, contact me at 808-938-4665 or via email at ethantweedie@gmail.com