Judging the Merits of Freeman House

Having toured the Gamble House twice, and looking at my Frank Lloyd Wright calendar on the wall while stifling a tear whenever I recall the long-lost Carthay Circle Theatre, I am not without feelings for the glories of our structural past.

Thus, when I saw the picture and read the headline regarding the Freeman House designed by Wright, I was expecting to be outraged--or at least dismayed (“Wright, Done Wrong,” by Nicolai Ouroussoff, March 14). But halfway through the article, I was laughing out loud. One of our most revered architects seems to have built the wrong structure, in the wrong place, with the wrong materials.

Perhaps you could have Ouroussoff write an article that matters--maybe about crumbling schools, or substandard housing for the poor.

PATRICK SWEENEY

Long Beach

Sell the Freeman House! While USC refills its red-tape dispenser for the umpteenth time, this architectural masterpiece is inching closer toward a total loss. I’d rather see it slip into private, caring hands committed to its restoration--even if it meant relinquishing any chance of taking a tour of the house again.

CHARLES L. GREEN

North Hollywood

No big pot o’ cash is safe from the joyous hopes of those who would satisfy others without spending their own money. Sure, let’s just spend and spend and spend. Another Wright house with a leaky roof, rebuilt at taxpayers’ expense, under the excellent oversight of another college constabulary! And we can hope there is a Santa Claus throughout the 365 days of every calendar year.

STEVE FINEFROCK

Los Angeles