Scholars suggest that the house was originally designed for Joshua Melson, the co-developer of Rock Crest-Rock Glen, in Mason City, Iowa.

On that site was built one of a collection of homes designed by Wright's associate, Walter Burley Griffin.

It also has features typical of Wright's mature Prairie style, including broad overhanging eaves, low hip roofs, continuous bands of windows which he called “light screens”, an emphatic water table, cruciform plan, large fireplace surrounded by Roman brick, built-in bookcases, stained woodwork, a tree growing through the roof, elimination of basement and attic space, and an overall emphasis on the horizontal line.

The living room boasts groupings of windows on three of the four main walls, some 1½ stories high, and some clerestory; this provides a gracious feeling of light and airiness.

While Isabel fulfilled these functions, she also took an active role in the lively and creative design atmosphere of his Studio in Oak Park.

As Wright's son John Lloyd Wright says, “William Drummond, Francis Barry Byrne, Walter Burley Griffin, Albert McArthur (Albert Chase McArthur), Marion Mahony, Isabel Roberts and George Willis were the draftsmen.

I know that each one of them was then making valuable contributions to the pioneering of the modern American architecture for which my father gets the full glory, headaches and recognition today!”[4] Mary Roberts (1836–1920) was born in Prince Edward Island.

[8] Ryan and Roberts created landmark buildings in Central Florida, some of which still stand today.