The work of Bohemia born architect Antonin Nechodoma (1877-1928) in Puerto Rico is worth documenting due to its unique and innovative style. Nechodoma's background was construction, his education in architecture was scarce if at all. He was a self-made man who throughout his career continuously surprised with outstanding designs.  Even though his construction background, most of his work on the island was built by Frank B. Hatch.  

There are conflicting theories regarding if Nechodoma ever met Frank Lloyd Wright personally, but there is no doubt his work was strongly influenced Lloyd Wright's Wasmuth Portfolio.  If his work was original or plagiarized is for others to decide, it is though, interesting work and a genial adaptation of a style born in the US midwest to the Caribbean.  It is also possible that Nechodoma was influenced by the work of Henry John Klutho for whom he worked in Jacksonville prior to moving to the Caribbean.  It is known that Klutho became an advocate of the Prairie Style after meeting Frank Lloyd Wright. Some of his work that has some resemblance to work by Lloyd Wright are the Georgetti and Korber residence and the Dana House design and the Luchetti Residence to the Ullman House.

Architect Thomas Marvel (1935-2015) in his 1994 book Antonin Nechodoma, Architect 1877-1928: the Prairie School in the Caribbean lists all of Nechodoma's work in Puerto Rico.  Unfortunately, out of the eighty two listed by Marvel, thirty two or 39% have been demolished and twenty five are still in existence but altered.  Listed herein and photographed are some of his remaining work taken in July 2014 and January 2016 depicting his adaptation to the tropics of the Prairie Style which Nechodoma is credited with introducing in Puerto Rico. ​

Circumstances surrounding his life and death in a car accident appear to have been no less interesting and controversial than his work.  An article by Architect Thomas Marvel published in the Fall 1983 issue of the Florida Architect reveals some interesting information about his life including his years in Chicago and Jacksonville.  As if his life was not filled with strange circumstances, after his death in 1928, in 1934 his son committed suicide at the family's house as evidenced by his death certificate. 

Pictures below are some of Nechodoma's designs since demolished.   Also included is a picture of his residence in the Monteflores section of Santurce, which 1913 design was his first after returning from the Dominican Republic and is not yet typical of the Prairie Style he adopted later on in his career. Following is a list of his work that still stand and has been documented and photographed, click on the name for more information.