Historian and author dedicated over 50 years to preserving Beaux-Arts buildings in New York and Chicago from demolition.
David Garrard Lowe, a renowned architectural historian and writer, passed away at the age of 91 in Manhattan. His dedication to preserving the historic Beaux-Arts structures of the Gilded Age played a crucial role in halting the rampant urban renewal projects that were erasing significant parts of American cities post-World War II. Terence Law, a close friend of Lowe, confirmed his passing in a hospice.
Growing up in Chicago, Lowe was captivated by the architectural works of luminaries like Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, who had transformed the city in the late 19th century with their neo-Classical and Baroque designs, collectively known as Beaux-Arts. However, by the 1960s, when Lowe began his architectural writings, many of these magnificent buildings were being demolished in both Chicago and his new home, New York City.
The destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station in the mid-1960s, inspired by the grand Baths of Caracalla in Rome, was a particularly devastating blow for Lowe and other Beaux-Arts enthusiasts. The replacement of this majestic transit hub with a cramped underground space beneath Madison Square Garden symbolized the larger trend of demolishing architecturally significant structures in favor of modernist buildings lacking character.
Witnessing the disappearance of architectural marvels that embodied the splendor of urban life, Lowe was motivated to take action. He dedicated years to researching and documenting the Beaux-Arts buildings in Chicago, scouring various archives for photographs and historical records of structures that had been lost to demolition.
Lowe’s efforts were instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of preserving Beaux-Arts architecture and advocating for the protection of these historic landmarks. His writings and advocacy work helped to instigate a shift in public perception towards valuing and conserving the architectural heritage of the Gilded Age.
In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Lowe was actively involved in promoting the restoration and adaptive reuse of Beaux-Arts buildings across the United States. His passion for architectural preservation extended beyond the written word, as he collaborated with preservation organizations and government agencies to safeguard these cultural treasures for future generations.
Lowe’s legacy as a champion of historic preservation and Beaux-Arts architecture continues to inspire architects, historians, and preservationists today. His tireless efforts to document, protect, and celebrate the architectural legacy of the Gilded Age have left an indelible mark on the preservation movement in the United States.
As we reflect on David Garrard Lowe’s contributions to the preservation of Beaux-Arts architecture, we are reminded of the enduring value of our built heritage and the importance of safeguarding these irreplaceable treasures for the enrichment of future generations.
Source: The NY Times
