The property sits "surrounded by trees in a ravine" and "was held up as a model for steel home craftsmanship."[2] Textile artist Ben Rose and his wife, Francis, moved into the property the same year. An adjoining pavilion meant to showcase the Roses' collection of exotic sports cars was added by David Haid, Speyer's student, in 1974.[3] The house was designated an official local landmark in 1987.[4] The two buildings are steel framed, rectangular, glass-and-wood boxes, and similar to Mies' iconic Farnsworth House, are both lifted off the ground on pylons.[1]
The Ben Rose House was priced at $2.3 million in 2009, but most of the serious inquires came from buyers looking to tear the residence down.[2] It was briefly listed on preservation group Landmark Illinois' list of endangered buildings.[2] It was finally purchased for $1.06 million in 2014.[4]
In 2017, the new owners renovated the property, according to DNAinfo, "digging a 15-foot trench under the house that will become a two-car garage, children's play area, storage space and laundry room. However, its submerged configuration will keep it almost completely hidden" and the adjacent pavilion will be utilized as a guest house or for additional space.[2]
