By Joel Glass, Alpha Kappa (University of Wisconsin-Madison) 1967

Joel Glass, a 1967 graduate of the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and a brother of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of ZBT, recently read a book about famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and decided to research Wright’s college experience at the University of Wisconsin.

Frank Lloyd Wright was a member of Phi Delta Theta during his time at Wisconsin. Only after a brief stay, Wright moved to Chicago to begin his career. He designed more than 1,000 structures, including 12 of Architectural Record’s 100 most important buildings of the 20th Century over a 70-year span. He has been recognized as the greatest American architect of all time, with his Fallingwater house (built 1937) in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, being one of his most popular well-known works.

Glass did some research on Wright’s projects and was astonished to learn that he accepted a commission from the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at the University of Florida in the early 1950s to design a modern mid-century fraternity house for the chapter. A book written by ZBT Brother Kenneth Treister — “Frank Lloyd Wright at the University of Florida” — chronicles the planning, development and controversies of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity house designed by Wright. Brother Treister was initiated into the Alpha Omega Chapter at University of Miami before transferring to UF and the Alpha Zeta Chapter.

How did this rare opportunity even come to fruition? The story begins with Brother Treister, encouraging his fellow architecture students to invite Frank Lloyd Wright to give a lecture at the university. He accepted, and Treister had the privilege of driving Wright around Gainesville. The two developed a nice relationship.

Treister felt comfortable enough to ask Wright a bold question: Would he design a house for his ZBT Chapter? Shockingly to all, Wright agreed. He immediately proceeded with detailed plans, even before the $10,000 commission was negotiated. Wright created detailed sketches and envisioned the ZBT house to fit into a wooded, sloped part of campus known as Fraternity Row. The design was typical of Wright’s organic approach that blends the structure with its environment.

Due to the fact there were many delays caused by the University and state authorities with the code compliance issues and fire safety, the project stalled. At the same time, Treister was called up to serve in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning to the university to resume his studies, he found that his dream house project had been abandoned. The chapter had moved into a nondescript house on campus.

Treister received his degree in architecture in 1953. His career focused mainly in the Miami area. His award-winning Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach opened in 1990. Treister is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and has been recognized as a noted architectural historian, photographer, sculptor and author. Brother Treister resides in the Central Florida area.

Brother Glass welcomes any questions on Frank Lloyd Wright or further discussion at jeg5234@gmail.com. He lives in the Cleveland area.

Additional Reading

• Cindy Spence, Fall 2025 edition of the Florida Gator Magazine: A Brush with Genius
• Fraternity/Sorority Historian Fran Becque, Ph.D.: Frank Lloyd Wright, Phi Delt, and His Fraternity House Designs

Photo of Treister courtesy Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Miami. Treister is the visionary behind the iconic property.

• Share this article