One of Frank Lloyd Wright's most innovative and unusual buildings is under attack.

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Arcadia, Phoenix, the David and Gladys Wright house features a circular spiral ramp that mimics the Guggenheim Museum. When construction finished in 1953, critics called it Wright's best work since Fallingwater. According to Neil Levine, a prominent Wright scholar, architects and historians say its one of the 20 most significant Wright buildings.

The home was a gift for Wright's son David and daughter-in-law Gladys, who lived there from 1952 until Gladys passed away in 2008. In 2009, Wright's granddaughters sold the home to a preservationist who pledged to take care of the property. Just three years later, the family reneged on their promise, selling the home to luxury home developer 8081 Meridian for $1.8 million. Immediately, 8081 Meridian secured a lot split permit for the property from the City of Phoenix with the intent to demolish the David Wright house to make room for two luxury homes.

When Chicago-based Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy heard about the demolition plans, they sent an SOS flare to local preservationists. But it was clear early on that saving the home would be an uphill battle. Phoenix, a town built on speculative development and proud of it, does not put much value on preserving its historic buildings. The city has almost no tools to preserve a building once it’s in the hands of an owner who wants to tear it down. Ballot initiative Prop 207, passed in Arizona in 2006, ties the city’s hands even more tightly. This initiative allows property owners to sue the city if it passes any regulations on a property (including historic designation) that could adversely affect its property value.

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Update: Preservationists Optimistic About Future Of Frank Lloyd Wright-Designed House In Phoenix After Sale