John J. Lydon, a partner with the Schaumburg-based firm of Lavelle Law, grew up in suburban Elk Grove Village, amongst its planned residential community that featured affordable homes built by Centex Corporation.
Attorney John J. Lydon
It’s a long way from the historic homes designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, that are located in Chicago and Oak Park. Yet, Lydon will be recognized by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy next month when he receives its prestigious Conservancy Award.
Its members say the Conservancy Award is given to those who have provided special assistance in carrying out the education and preservation mission of its organization. In this case, Lydon is being recognized for his significant pro bono legal services, along with attorney Michael Rachlis, toward the rescue of the Walser House in Chicago.
Located at 42 N. Central Avenue in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the Walser House was built in 1903 and is recognized as one of the best of Wright’s early experiments with designs for inexpensive residences, which he went on to modify for several subsequent houses. The house has been designated as a Chicago Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lydon, left, with team that saved Walser House.
Lydon typically concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, including real estate, business, chancery, probate, and collection litigation. Yet for the last two years, he also advocated in the courts to save the historic Walser House.
“My involvement with the Walser House was entirely fortuitous,” Lydon says. “I was appointed by the Circuit Court of Cook County to represent the deceased former owner. I worked with the heirs and the preservation groups to shepherd the property through the foreclosure process. It was eventually donated to a community organization to use as an office and meeting space.”
Barbara Gordon, Executive Director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, says efforts like Lydon’s to preserve Wright’s historic homes — and legacy — are “extraordinary.”
“Wright’s buildings are treasured by countless people around the globe – but, each year, it is the extraordinary efforts of a dedicated few that we celebrate with our awards,” Gordon says. “Their work to preserve Wright’s legacy fuels our movement, strengthening our resolve to preserve these remarkable places so they can inspire for generations to come.”
Lydon in the conference room at Lavelle Law in Schaumburg
Lydon quips that he was unaware of Wright’s historic designs while growing up in a Centex neighborhood in Elk Grove. It wasn’t until he attended Loyola University, located on Sheraton Road in Chicago, that he became aware of them.
“There was a Frank Lloyd Wright house on North Sheridan Road that I would walk by,” Lydon says. “I took some art history classes and my interest in his designs has just grown from there. Over the years, I have visited many Frank Lloyd Wright houses. I even went to Taliesin West in Scottsdale, on a trip out there.”
Though Lydon says he is honored to be recognized for his role in saving one of Wright’s most famous houses, he points out that his work was in collaboration with others.
“This was a multi-year effort in conjunction with the Conservancy, Austin Coming Together, Landmarks Illinois, and Preservation Chicago,” he says. “It is a meaningful accomplishment both for the importance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work as well as the value to a West side community.”
Ted McGinn, Managing Parter at Lavelle Law, says efforts like Lydon’s are indicative of partners and attorneys at the Schaumburg-based firm.
“We take great pride in our commitment to serving individuals, organizations, and institutions throughout Chicagoland,” he says “Everyone at the firm understands the responsibility we have to give back and share our talents where they can make a difference. We’re very proud of John and the great work he did for the Conservancy.”
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