You’ve likely seen the red brick. Even if you haven't stood on the pavement in Highland Park, Illinois, that specific stretch of architecture is etched into the collective American psyche. 370 Beech Street isn't just a coordinate on a map; it is the physical manifestation of 1980s suburban aspiration and cinematic history.
People call it the "Ferris Bueller house," though that’s technically a bit of a misnomer. While the 1986 John Hughes masterpiece Ferris Bueller's Day Off used the property as the home of Cameron Frye, the residence itself has a life that extends far beyond the screen. It is a stunning example of mid-century modernism. It sits precariously—and beautifully—over a ravine.
Actually, the house is a complex. There’s the main house and then there’s the "Ben Rose House," designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid. Speyer was a protégé of Mies van der Rohe. You can feel that influence in every steel beam.
The Architecture of 370 Beech Street: More Than Just a Movie Set
Most fans focus on the glass pavilion. You know the one. It’s the structure where the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder met its demise. But looking at 370 Beech Street through a purely cinematic lens does a disservice to the architectural pedigree of the site.
Built in 1953, the main house was designed for Ben Rose, a textile designer, and his wife Frances. It was a bold choice for Highland Park at the time. While neighbors were leaning into traditional builds, the Roses embraced steel and glass.
The pavilion came later, added in 1974. It was intended to house the Roses' extensive car collection. It’s a literal glass box. It floats. Because it sits over the edge of a wooded ravine, it creates this incredible tension between the industrial rigidity of the steel and the organic chaos of the Illinois timber.
Why Highland Park Was the Perfect Backdrop
Highland Park is a specific kind of place. It’s wealthy, sure, but it has always had an intellectual, slightly artsy undercurrent compared to some of its North Shore neighbors. John Hughes understood this. He didn't just pick 370 Beech Street because it looked cool; he picked it because it represented the "gilded cage" that Cameron Frye lived in.
✨ Don't miss: Finding a Wonder Woman Plus Size Costume That Actually Fits and Feels Powerful
The house feels cold in the film. That’s intentional. In reality, the home was reportedly quite warm and full of life when the Roses lived there. But on film, the glass walls didn't represent transparency or freedom; they represented the lack of privacy and the fragility of Cameron’s world.
Think about the contrast. Ferris lives in a traditional, shingle-style home (actually located in Long Beach, California, though set in the Chicago suburbs). It's cozy. It’s safe. Cameron lives in a masterpiece of modernism that feels like a museum.
The Preservation Battle and the Market Reality
For a long time, the future of 370 Beech Street was actually pretty uncertain. It hit the market in 2009 with a price tag of $2.3 million. Then it sat. And sat.
It turns out that owning a piece of movie history is complicated.
- The maintenance on a glass and steel structure over a ravine is astronomical.
- Privacy is a nightmare when fans show up to take photos of your garage.
- The layout, while architecturally significant, isn't exactly "family-friendly" by modern suburban standards.
The price eventually dropped significantly. It sold in 2014 for around $1.06 million. People were genuinely worried it might be torn down. In the North Shore, "teardowns" are a localized epidemic. Developers often buy significant lots, raze the history, and put up 6,000-square-foot "McMansions" that maximize square footage over soul.
Fortunately, the buyers who took over 370 Beech Street were committed to restoration. They spent years updating the infrastructure—the stuff that isn't sexy but keeps a house standing—like the HVAC systems and the structural integrity of the pavilion's foundation.
Living in a Landmark: The Pros and Cons
If you ever find yourself walking down Beech Street, you’ll notice it’s a quiet, residential road. It doesn't scream "tourist destination." That is part of the charm. But for the owners, it’s a delicate balance.
Living in a house like 370 Beech Street means you are a steward of a cultural touchstone. You can't just slap on a new addition or change the window frames to vinyl. Well, you could, but the architectural community (and the ghost of John Hughes) would never forgive you.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ferrari
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the car in the ravine.
👉 See also: 1 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit: Why This Tiny Shift Actually Matters
The "Ferrari" used in the film wasn't real. It was a replica made by Modena Design and Development. They used a fiberglass body and a Ford V8 engine. Why? Because a real 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder was worth a fortune even in 1985. Today? They go for upwards of $18 million.
When the car crashed through the glass, it wasn't filmed at a studio. It happened right there at 370 Beech Street. The production team had to carefully reconstruct the glass wall afterward. If you look at the pavilion today, you can't even tell where the "accident" happened, which is a testament to the original design's clean lines.
The Enduring Legacy of the North Shore Modernism
370 Beech Street isn't an island. It’s part of a broader movement in the Chicago suburbs. You have Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park, but the North Shore—Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka—is where the mid-century modernists really played with the landscape.
The use of the ravine is a classic Highland Park move. Instead of filling it in or building away from it, architects like Speyer used the drop-off to create a sense of drama. It’s about the "borrowed landscape." You don't just own the house; you own the view of the trees.
Facts to Remember About the Property
- Architect: A. James Speyer (a student of Mies van der Rohe).
- Year Built: 1953 (Main house), 1974 (Pavilion).
- Film History: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).
- Materials: Steel, glass, and brick.
- Status: Private residence (not a museum).
Honestly, the house is a bit of a miracle. Most homes with this much "fame" eventually get modified beyond recognition or hidden behind massive gates. 370 Beech Street remains relatively visible from the road, a stoic reminder of a time when architecture was about bravery and film was about the existential dread of being a teenager in the suburbs.
Actionable Insights for Architecture and Movie Buffs
If you're planning a trip to see the house or you're interested in mid-century preservation, here is how to handle it properly:
Respect the Privacy
This is a private home. Don't be the person who walks up the driveway. You can see plenty from the public sidewalk. The current owners have been incredibly gracious about maintaining the home's historic look; don't reward that by being a nuisance.
Explore the Neighborhood
Highland Park is full of architectural gems. While you're there to see 370 Beech Street, drive a few minutes over to the Willits House (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) or walk through the downtown area. The city has a deep commitment to its historic districts.
✨ Don't miss: Peter Thomas Roth Eye Patch Explained: Why Your Routine Might Be Failing
Research the Speyer Legacy
If the "floating glass box" look appeals to you, look up A. James Speyer’s other works. He was a curator at the Art Institute of Chicago and his influence on the "Chicago School" of architecture is massive. Understanding his philosophy makes seeing the house in person a much richer experience.
Check Local Real Estate Trends
If you’re a buyer looking for something similar, know that "modernist" homes in the North Shore come with a "preservation tax." You’ll likely pay a premium for the design, and you should budget significantly more for specialized contractors who understand how to work with vintage steel and glass.
The story of 370 Beech Street is far from over. It survived the 80s, survived the real estate crash of 2008, and survived the threat of demolition. It stands as a bridge between the high-art world of modernist architecture and the populist world of Hollywood. Whether you're there for the Ferrari or the floor-to-ceiling glass, it remains one of the most important addresses in Illinois.