The Neils House is one of Minneapolis’s most treasured Frank Lloyd Wright homes, known for its low rooflines, natural materials, and careful placement in the landscape. Its original carport reflects Wright’s vision for modest, efficient living, but it no longer accommodates today’s larger vehicles. The Homeowners asked AWH Architects to design a new garage that would support everyday use while keeping the historic home completely untouched.

The new garage sits quietly on the site, about 45 feet east of the original carport. Tucked among mature trees, it preserves the familiar arrival experience and keeps views of the Wright-designed home open and uninterrupted. With its compact footprint and low profile, the garage provides functional parking and storage while maintaining a respectful relationship to the historic house.

The design celebrates craft and natural materials in a way that complements, rather than imitates, Wright’s work. Vertical ash wood slats sit in front of dark siding panels, creating a warm, textured exterior that blends into the surrounding landscape. Softly rounded corners and thoughtful detailing give the structure a simple elegance that rewards a closer look. The project also restores parts of the original landscape, replacing the later asphalt driveway with a more natural surface and adding a planted roof that supports stormwater performance.

Together, these choices create a quiet, contemporary addition that fits seamlessly into the property, honors its historic setting, and supports the long-term stewardship of one of Minneapolis’s architectural landmarks.