Category Paul R Williams – Paul Revere Williams Project

Paul Revere Williams

Through Time

The Timeline illustrates how material history, society and the work of one person, Paul R. Williams, integrate and interact. Small changes in society, architecture or life may seem inconsequential, but when connected a powerful picture emerges. The Timeline illustrates how many forces shape our modern life. Williams’ life did not form in isolation but was a product of complex energies in society, his profession and within himself.

Timeline

Choose a Time Period

1884

Paul Williams’ father, Chester Stanley Williams, worked at the original Peabody Hotel at the corner of Main and Monroe as a waiter from 1884 through 1893.

Chester S. Williams, Paul R. Williams’ father, opened a confectionary shop with John Brame at 163 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. A confectionary store sold sweet foods including candy, cakes, pastries, candy fruits and ice cream.

Today Abe Schwab’s, a dry goods store, is located at 163 Beale Street.

1887

Paul R. Williams’ parents, Chester and Lila, moved to Los Angeles with Paul’s older brother, Chester Stanley Williams, Jr. His parents opened a fruit stand on Olvera Street. (LA Times, February 28, 1993) Olvera Street was one of the oldest sections of downtown Los Angeles.

1893

1900s

When he is 6-years-old, Williams attended Sentous Avenue Grammer School on Pico Boulevard. He wrote about this school later in his life and said that he is the only African American student in his class.

In the 1900, U.S. Census Los Angeles is ranked 36th in the nation based on population. Slightly more than 102,000 residents lived in Los Angeles and of that number only 3,131 were Negroes.

As a comparison, Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seats 102,000.

1910

In June 1912 Paul R. Williams graduated with a class of 174 students from Polytechnic High School, Los Angeles. Polytechnic High School was described in a June 21 Los Angeles Times (1912) article as “the acme of present day high school educational results.”

For the next four years, he pursued a self-directed education, studying architecture and improving his skills. As a member of the Los Angeles Architectural Club, he participated in the training and competitions offered through the Society of Beaux-Arts Architects (1913-1916); he studied architecture at the University of Southern California (1916-1919); he worked as an apprentice in the offices of local architects and landscape designers.

1912

The 1910 census data, lists Paul R. Williams living with Emily P. Clarkson at 784 E. 15th Street in Los Angeles. Clarkson was later variously described as Williams’ foster mother, godmother or guardian.

In a 1970 interview with Maggie Savoy, LA Times’ Women’s Editor, Williams’ described Charles Clarkson as his foster father. The First AME Church dedication stone (Williams was a life-long member of the church) lists “C. I. Clarkson” as a trustee in 1903. It is possible that this church elder was the same Clarkson who fosters the orphaned, 4-year-old Paul R. Williams.

In 1963, Williams contributed design plans for a new building for the church on 25th and LaSalle.

1913

By 1913, Paul R. Williams was working at the firm of landscape architect/city planner Wilbur D. Cook, Jr. where he gained experience in integrating house and garden design plans. Cook’s ideas influenced Williams’ designs and were evident in the extensive landscaping for the 1926 Baird/Stewart/Garza House.

Cook was known for his landscaping work in Southern California, including the original gardens at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the City Park in Anaheim –now Pearson Park and Irving Gill’s Dodge House. Cook recognized Williams’ superior drafting and drawing skills when he assigned him the task of creating thehand drawn perspective sketches for the park in Anaheim.

This photograph is a contemporary image of the Dodge House. Paul Williams’ original illustrations for the city park in Anaheim are included in the Ralph D. Cornell Papers and can be viewed online via Calisphere.

1914

After working with Cook, Williams wrote that he worked for Reginald Davis Johnson from 1914 to 1917. (1942 AIA document) Johnson, a Pasadena architect, was noted for designing luxury homes. His revival residential designs with patios, loggias and courtyards aimed to create a “true California style” appropriate to the climate and way of life. (California Southland, Sept. 26, 1926) Williams’ work was influenced by these ideas.

In an interview, Williams remembered his early career with Johnson. “The first thing he did was put me on a $100,000 home in Santa Barbara. I’d never been in a house that cost more than $10,000. I couldn’t guess how a person could spend that much money. I soon found out.” (Los Angeles Times, October 11, 1970)

How to Handle “Four Corners”Registers for the Draft

On June 5, 1917, Williams registeredfor the U.S. military draft. He self-reported that he was an architectural draftsman working for Reginald Johnson.

Marries and Begins Work for Arthur Kelly

Williams married Della Mae Givens on June 27, 1917. Della supported his career by “providing him with a comfortable setting in which he could visualize, create and turn his ideas into structures.” (Los Angeles Sentinel, August 8, 1996) The Williams became a “power” couple on the social and philanthropic scene of Los Angeles.

He began working with Arthur Kelly whose design practice specialized in hotels, residences and public buildings. Williams wored for Kelly from 1917 to 1921. (AIA papers) An example of Kelly’s work is the dormitory (image) at Westlake School for Girls in Los Angeles. Playboy Mansion West, Hugh Hefner’s Los Angeles residence, is another of Kelly’s designs.

Enters 2nd White Pine Architectural Competition

Williams submitted an entry to a national competition sponsored by the influential White Pine Monograph Series to design a house for $12,500. He did not win a prize, but his entry was published in an issue of The Independent, one of the first national publications to reproduce his work. Williams’ design entry was described in the article as an “unsymmetrical plan … with picturesque exterior … Practicability has not been sacrificed to make the design interesting.”

White Pine Architectural Competition

Williams won a Mention in 1918 for his design for a Lakeside Home in a national competition sponsored by the White Pine Series of Architectural Monographs. In 1919 he entered the same competition with plans for a Community Centre Building. This design recieved Special Mention by the panel of judges. “… it is an expression of a Community Center Group, has the charm of a New England town, and the Community Building is unmistakably a wooden structure.”

Renderings for both winning entries were published in the Monograph Series and can be seen in the Gallery.

Paul R. Williams’ simple, compact, and “well thought out” entry for the Hollow Tile House Competition was awarded first place by a panel of important regional architects including John C. Austin. The judges wrote that Williams’ superior renderings, tasteful exterior treatment and lack of “useless ornaments” contriubed to the ease and economy of construction. His landscape design fit with Southern California conditions and extended the useable living space.

Paul R. Williams’ simple, compact, and “well thought out” entry for the Hollow Tile House Competition was awarded first place by a panel of important regional architects including John C. Austin. The judges wrote that Williams’ superior renderings, tasteful exterior treatment and lack of “useless ornaments” contributed to the ease and economy of construction. His landscape design fit with the Southern California conditions and extended the useable living space.

Williams was certified as a building contractor in 1915 and could build small projects. The California State Board of Architectural Examiners is the agency that maintains these records today, but the agency existed under a different name and mission in 1915. (Wesley Howard Henderson’s unpublished research)

William studied architectural engineering at the University of Southern California from 1916 through 1919. This photograph shows the campus at the time Williams attends classes at USC.

1915

1916

1917

1918

1919

Designs Commercial Building

In the March 30 issue of Los Angeles Builder and Contractor (later known as Southwest Builder and Contractor), Williams was listed as the designer for a two-story commercial building on South Los Angeles Street. Louis M. Blodgett, a successful African American millionaire, was the builder. Paul Williams later built both of Blodgett’s homes in 1922 and 1953.

1920

At 25 years of age Williams lived at 784 E. 15th in Los Angeles with wife Della and Emily P. Clarkson who was listed as his god mother in the 1920 U.S. census. Williams described his occupation as “draftsman at an architect’s office.” He moved to 1271 West 35th Street—a modest home in the black community of South Central Los Angeles where he lived for 30 years.

In 1920 he was appointed to the LA City Planning Commission by the 23rd Mayor of Los Angeles (Meredith P. Snyder) and served on the commission until 1928. The city was changing dramatically with the railroads connecting Los Angeles to the rest of the nation. Land was cheap and abundant. Unlike cities in the East that accommodated growth with taller buildings, Los Angeles could spread out. The LA leaders wanted to plan for the city’s future growth with a planning commission.

1921

1922

Early commissions for wealthy clients

Flintridge, named for and developed by Senator Frank Putnam Flint, was a wealthy, segregated suburb near Pasadena. Williams designed scores of homes in this upscale community, including this house for Katherine Flint, the Senator’s widow. (It is a smaller version of the couple’s original residence.) In later interviews Williams remembered his professional relationship with the Senator, ”I got my start doing better homes … from him.”

(Los Angeles Times. October 11, 1970) Eventually he designed at least 10 spec homes in the Flintridge area and “the development has one of the greatest concentrations of Paul Williams’ houses” in the region. (Personal communications, Tim Gregory, noted regional architectural historian, 2013)

The Louis Cass residence in Flintridge was typically described as Williams’ first significant residential project for a wealthy white client. His biographies link the two men as high school classmates, but current research does not support this. Williams attended Polytechic High School and graduated in 1912. Cass was an athletic star at Los Angeles High School according to local newspaper accounts. After two years at Stanford University, he was named captain of the football team. (Los Angeles Times, November 27, 1911 and August 8, 1913) Cass became a successful insurance executive and was one of the founders of the Automobile Club of Southern California. In 1954, Williams designed a ranch house for Cass and his wife Virginia in Temecula, California.

Despite warnings that the African American community was not large or wealthy enough to support an architect, Williams found work in this growing segment of society. After acquiring his architectural license, he began to make important connections including African American businessman Louis M. Blodgett. Blodgett, a Los Angeles entrepreneur with interests in construction, real estate, insurance and the funeral industry, hired the young architect to design a home in 1922 (and later in 1953). In 1924, Williams designedthe Second Baptist Church—one of the first major construction projects in the Central Ave area of Los Angeles.

Wins Special Mention in Small House Competition

In 1923, the Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara sponsored one of the earliest small house competitions in the United States. The cost to build the house could not exceed $5000. Williams recieved a “Special Mention” for his meritorious design. The judges noted

his creative placement of a fireplace on the outside terrace. Eight years later Williams’ entry was published in a catalog of small house plans available nationwide.

Williams joins AIA and opens an office

In 1923, Williams was notified by the Executive Secretary of American Institute of Architects (AIA), the national organization, of his election to membership. The Southern California Chapter of AIA elected Williams as an Associate member on September 30, 1922—a prerequisite for National AIA membership. He was the first known African American member in AIA.

In the 1962 AIA Directory, Williams wrote that he opened Paul R. Williams & Associates in the Stock Exchange Building in downtown Los Angeles. He continuted working for John C. Austin until he established his own client base.

In January 1921, the Southern Chapter of AIA named the periodical Southwest Builder & Contractor as the official publication for public announcements. The June 1921 issue of Southwest Builder & Contractor listed Paul R. Williams’s official certification to practice architecture in California. Williams later became a registered architect in the District of Columbia, New York and Tennessee. (AIA Directory 1960)

Also in 1921, Williams began work in John C. Austin’s architectural firm where he wored until 1924. Austin’s firm was known for large public and commercial projects. The Shrine Civic Auditorium (pictured here) and Hollywood Masonic Temple (1922 Timeline Architecture) were projects in Austin’s firm during the years of Williams’ employment. Williams described his position in Austin’s office as draftsman.

1923

1924

Monrovia, California Administrative Group

Williams’ and Milton W. Nigg’s proposal for group of administrative buildings was selected by the Monrovia Trustees from a number of competing proposals. Their winning rendering illustrated a complex of mission-style buildings with red tile roofs and stucco walls set in a park of mature oak trees covering a half block. (This particular architectural style was a popular choice for public buildings and private residences in Southern California throughout the 1920s.) The Monrovia Adminstrative Group was one of Williams’ earliest successes for a large scale public complex.

The initial phase of the Administrative Group (Fire Department and Hall of Justice/Police Department/Jail buildings) was completed in February, 1925. The swimming pool, bathhouse, tennis courts and athletic fields opened later in the same year.

Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles

The Second Baptist Church, the first African American Baptist church in Los Angeles, opened their new facility in LA’s Central Avenue area. The building was designed by Williams and Norman F. Marsh, the official architect of the Southern Baptist Convention. The church pastor insited that all workmen constructing the church were from African American-owned businesses.

Designs for a Small Brick House Published

In 1925, the American Face Brick Association published the sixth edition of their The Home of Beauty: Designs for a Small Brick House. The book was a collection of “well rendered” and “meritorious” small house designs the professional group hopes would inspire and educate consumers and contractors to improve the quality of new American single-family homes. They also hoped the competition and their publication would encourage a growing middle-class consumer to consider brick when building a residence.

A panel of well-known architects selected the best design ideas from a field of 400 entries submitted for a competition by architects and architectural draftsmen from across the country. (The competition was coordinated by the professional journal Architectural Forum, formerly The Brickbuilder and the Committee on Competitions of the American Institute of Architects.) Though Williams’ entry for a “simple cottage” was not selected as one of the finalists, his rendering for House, No. 150 was deemed worthy of inclusion in the 1925 publication. The editor’s description of the Williams’ design recommended clients and builders choose a northeast facing site “thereby providing morning sun in the dining room and a pleasant exposure for the living room and garden.”

A note in the book’s introduction stated that working drawings/specifications and a list of materials were available to anyone for a $25 fee with proof that a “competent builder or contractor” had been secured.

Designs a Public School

It was announced in the Los Angeles Times that Williams was preparing plans for a 2-story brick grammar school. This school at 1314 South Dacotah Street opened in 1926.

Baird/Stewart/Garza ResidenceBaird/Stewart/Garza Residence

The Baird/Stewart/Garza residence, Spanish Colonial Revival style, was complete in 1926. Williams designed or specified every detail of the house and terraced garden including the woodwork, hardware, fixtures and hardscape.

1925

1926

1927

1928

1929

Continues to receive commissions for Flintridge estates

John Bishop Green hired Williams to design a large weekend home including the latest “modern” conveniences—electric refrigeration and automatic water heaters.

Los Angeles Times (June 5, 1927) described this new residence in Flintridge as a project by “Paul Williams, one of Southern California’s best-known architects.”

Hollywood YMCA

Williams’ firm was hired in 1927 to expand and improve the Hollywood YMCA. Williams’ building opened in 1928. Similar to the 28th Street YMCA, this building was considered Spanish Colonial Revival with ceramic and terra-cotta interior decorative details. Unlike the 28th Street Y, there was only one main entrance. Williams reconsidered the users circulation within the building allowing the managers more flexibility and encouraging members to participate in different activities.

Williams continues to design homes for wealthy during Great Depression

Katherine Peachy hired Williams to design her house in Hancock Park—a development for wealthy Angelenos. Some of Williams’ original design details could not be executed until 1933. Many building projects were down-sized because of the Great Depression.

Atkin Residence

Jack P. Atkin moved into his luxurious 12,000 square-foot home, designed by Williams, in 1929 on the eve of the Great Depression. Atkin asked the architect to design a castle on a hill that would bring back “memories of his childhood in England.” The 16-room Tudor Revival-style residence in Pasadena was built of brick with a slate roof. Williams utilized expensive materials including oak, marble, custom designed stained and leaded glass, and “In-Vis-O” Roller Screens for windows—all at Atkin’s request.

Atkin rented the property to movie studios and the house was the setting for the movies Topper (1937) and The Bells of St. Mary’s (1937). The famous residence was destroyed in a 2005 fire. Photograph courtesy of J. Troutoux.

Home Designs in LA duplicated elsewhere

In an article in the Los Angeles Times (July 24, 1927), Williams described instances where visitors to the city saw his home designs and wanted to build a duplicate home. “The Spanish homes built here are usually a wonderful improvement on their prototypes in Europe, a thing that is generally admitted by visitors here from Spain.”

Williams was known throughout his professional career as one of the best California practitioners of revival-styling. His residential architecture in the Spanish Colonial style, as reflected in the Baird/Stewardt/Garza house, was highly prized by up-scale modern home-buyers in Los Angeles.

28th Street YMCA is completed

Williams’ design for the 28th Street YMCA in the Central Avenue area of Los Angeles included Spanish Colonial red clay roof tiles, a row of arched windows on the second-floor and smooth stucco finish. Bas-relief panels with busts of African American heroes including Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass provided decorative detail in terra cotta with vines and scr

Paul R. Williams wrote about important developments in electric lighting in his 1945 book The Small Home of Tomorrow. “New methods of indirect lighting built into the design of the room with tiny concealed adjustable spotlights for reading areas will be one of the post war developments.”

1930

Williams designs for Hollywood elite

Hollywood was “depression proof.” During the Great Depression, the public went to the movies to forget their problems and enjoy the luxury of air conditioning. The famous Hollywood sign was erected in 1924 to promote a neighborhood development Hollywood Land. The sign became a symbol for glamorous Hollywood.

The Depression slowed work for many architects, but Williams’ office remained busy. By 1934 Williams completed over 36 residential estates. Many of his clients were important in the movie industry — directors, movie stars, producers, set designers, even make-up artists — including Otto Preminger, Corrine Griffith, Burt Wheeler, Lon Chaney, Bill (Bojangles) Robinson, Charles Correll and Jacob Paley.

In addition to his work on residential estates, Williams designed many of his most memorable commercial projects in this decade: Angelus Funeral Home, Music Corporation of America (MCA) headquarters, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sunset Plaza Apartments. He also began a life-long relationship with Howard University.

Thoughts on the Role of Interior Decorators

In an interview in 1970 with the Los Angeles Times’ Maggy Savoy, Williams discussed his philosophy of design: “…know when to quit … People don’t always know what they want. It is the architect’s job to help them find it, and keep within the bounds of grace.”

When starting a project, Williams prefered to employ the ideas of an interior designer early in the process. In his career, Williams wored with many important designers and design companies: Harriet Shellenberger (image), Bullocks of Los Angeles, Frank Baden of Webber Spaulding, Dorothy Draper, Edward F. White, Paul Laszlo & John Luccareni.

Small House Plan Service publishes winning design

In 1923, Paul R. Williams won an honorable mention for his design of a small house entered in a competition sponsored by the Community Arts Association of Santa Barbara. The Community Arts Association was a pioneer in the movement to develop “better standards of small house architecture.” Eight years later, his winning entry was included in a catalog of designs published by Theodore A. Koetzil, director of the Small House Plan Service. Koetzil selected the Williams’ design for publication in his catalog because “on studying the design today it is found still to hold its position in the first rank…the design is unquestionably good architecture of today.” (Los Angeles Times, December 6, 1931)

1931

1935

Begins work with Hilyard Robinson

In 1935 Williams becomes an associate member of the firm Hilyard Robinson and Paul R. Williams in Washington, D.C. where he is registered or licensed to practice architecture. He also becomes licensed in New York.

Together Williams and Robinson collaborate on many large projects including Langston Terrace (image) and buildings on the Howard University campus.

Becomes a Spokesman for New Building Technology

By 1936, modular steel housing was more than an experiment. Williams became the consulting architect for Lea Steel Homes of Los Angeles. His plans were featured in the Lea Steel Homes catalog and advertisements. Williams designed and built a model Lea Steel Home for the 1934 Los Angeles House and Garden Show.

From a 1936 Los Angeles Times advertisement: “If you can buy a home of any kind, you can buy a Lea Steel Home … resistent to damage by fire, termites, dry rot, termites and earthquakes … Paul R. Williams, Consulting Architect.”

Roland Giroux selected the 1934 House and Garden Show model for his El Reno Apartments, Reno, Nevada. (image)

Book Features Homes

Lewis Storrs, Jr. illustrated his book The Key to Your New Home: A Primer of Liveable and Practical Homes with photographs of the built designs by important California architects. Williams’ residences were featured in this book. Storrs believed that “awkward and superficial copies of historical styles of architecture have proved themselves unsatisfactory” in the 20th century. It was more important to build a house expressing the personality of the owner rather than forcing the owner to adapt to a classical formula of mathematical design. With this approach a house was developed from the inside-out.

Speaker at Hampton Institute

Williams was one of the speakers at the Thirteenth Hampton Builders’ Conference Program. This annual conference was co-hosted by Hampton Institute and the National Builder’s Association, the national organization for African Americans involved in the construction industry and building trades. Williams lead an open discussion on “national building problems.” (The New York Age, February 13, 1937)

I Am a Negro

This essay by Williams was published in the July 1937 issue of The American Magazine. The essay was described by the editor as “the frankest, most human discussion of the color problem we have ever read.” This autobiographical essay was edited and reprinted almost 50 years later after Williams died in Ebony (November 1986).

1936

1937

Music Corporation of America

Williams’ practice eexpanded to include commercial buildings with a residential feel. The MCA building was an example one of Williams’ most famous commercial buildings. This building was featured on the cover of the October 1938 issue of California Arts and Architecture.

Receives AIA Award of Merit

Williams recieved an Award of Merit from the Southern California (Los Angeles) Chapter of AIA (American Institute of Architecture) for the Music Corporation of America building.

1938

1939

1940

Named to California Draft Board

The Governor of California named Paul Williams to one of 107 district draft boards. The boards administered the Selective Service Act in the State. Williams’ nomination was approved by President Roosevelt.

Several nominees had to withdraw because they were called into military service or their “business affairs would not permit participation.” (Los Angeles Times, October 10, 1940)

Ralph A. Vaughn, a young designer in Williams’ firm, remembered in an oral history that Williams closed his office shortly after December 7, 1941 or Pearl Harbor. (Wesley Henderson interview with Vaughn, 2/16/92)

The Home Front: Columbia, a Country on the Uptake

Los Angeles Times, April 14, 1941

“I’ve been talking with Paul Williams, the Negro architect, and he told me about Colombia, a country which is on the uptake … Mr. Williams actually has BEEN there … the new thing about Colombia is that it is building a big city hotel, office buildings, clubs, homes … all along the most advanced style … A commission was sent to the States to study the hotel architecture … When the commission reached Los Angeles, it was so enchanted … it decided right then and there … that this was the spirit it wanted. Mr. Williams got the job … The selection of Mr. Williams to do the job was a nice compliment to Los Angeles.”

The image of Hotel Nutibara is a rendering by R. Lockwood for Williams’ office to present to the Colombian clients. This photograph is from The Huntington Library Maynard L. Parker archives.

Williams in Home Show

“California Architecture” was the theme of the 1941 Los Angeles Home Show. Air, sunlight and space were important elements used to define this developing style. Photographs, sketches and models by architects Richard Neutra, R. M. Schindler, Cliff May, John Lautner, Lloyd Wright and Paul Williams were among those whose work best illustrate “California Architecture.” (Los Angeles Times, Jan 19, 1941)

Lincoln University Honor

“Paul Williams, celebrated Los Angeles, Calif. architect, … received the honorary degree of Doctor of Science at Lincoln University, Mo., June 10, 1941.” (The Crisis, July 1941)

1941

1942

Pueblo del Rio opensPueblo del Rio opens

Williams was known for his residential work, but he also worked on public housing projects in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Pueblo del Rio was one of the first projects of this kind in Los Angeles. Architectural materials were scarce because of military conflicts in Europe and the Pacific, but the Southeast Housing Architects (Williams, Neutra, Wilson, Wurdeman, Becket, Kaufmann) completed this project within the budget, on time and using alternative materials. Pueblo del Rio was a model for public housing around the country in the 1940s.

The landscaping was simplified to save money, but the architects preserved some aspects that were functional as well as attractive: vegetable gardens, seeded lawns and fruit trees. (Architect and Engineer, September 1942).

War time projects

During World War II, private building projects were scarce and many firms shut their offices. Williams closed his practice and devoted his efforts to projects supporting the military and war effort. Williams’ work at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, was an example of his war-time work.

Fort Huachuca, an early 19th century frontier calvary post near the Mexican border, was home of the famed 10th Calvary (“Buffalo Soldiers”). These soldiers were members of one of the Army’s elite African American divisions. During World War II many other African American servicemen trained at the fort.

In 1942, Williams designed 125 housing units for the Army at Fort Huachuca, part of an intensive, 18-month building program. An African American company hired Williams in 1943 to design an amusement center for the soldiers in nearby Fry, Arizona. Because of the center’s domed oval roof, the restaurant/bar was popularly known to the soldiers as the Greentop. The building includeda 6400 square feet dance-floor and the bar was decorated with a series of 7 original murals by Chicago artist William E. Scott with the theme New Peace With Victory. An adjacent 50 room dormitory was designed for married officers and their wives. While hard liquor was not served at the Greentop, it was reported that the soldiers drank over two train carloads of draft beer monthly.

The Chicago Bee

A popular African American newspaper of the time, sent a writer to Arizona to report first hand on Williams’ work at Fort Huachuca. He described the Greentop complex as “the finest Army Recreational Center (barring none) in the United States.” (March 28, 1943)

1943

1944

Completes Work on Roosevelt Naval Base Project

Between 1940 and 1943, Williams, a member of the Allied Architects cooperative, wored on this important west coast military project. Begun before the start of World War II, this naval facility was a center for Pacific Theater activities.

Photograph courtesy of The Huntington Library, San Marino, California. Maynard L. Parker photographer.

Williams Pursues Other War Contracts

The Negro Yearbook 1941-1946 described a number of Williams’ war-time projects for the United States Navy. Building on his successful experience designing affordable prefabricated metal housing during the 1930s, he formed the Standard Demountable Homes Company of California. This company specialized in the design and construction of temporary, transportable dwellings. His company negotiated with the War Department to develop and build these homes for war workers. While the demountable home was a quick, temporary solution during the war, Quonset-style homes quickly fell out of favor after the war.

Career Used to Promote War Effort

Charles Alston, an artist in the Harlem Renaissance (1920-1930), created a series of illustrations for the War Department with famous African Americans. The original drawings promoted the war effort by highlighting the contributions of these individuals to Democracy.

In addition to Paul Williams, some of the other heroes include:

Sergeant Joe Lewis, athlete, Mat Henson, North Pole explorer, George Washington Carver, scientist and inventor.

Williams publishes two books

When World War II ended, 17 million service personnel returned to civilian life and needed affordable housing. Williams addressed this problem in two pattern books: The Small Home of Tomorrow (1945) and New Homes for Today (1946). The plans and lifestyles shown in these books reflected Williams’ belief in the importance of homeownership and the future of American middle-class housing. Reviews appeared in the important professional journals and design magazines of the day. Architects, builders and the general public were encouraged to read them and be mindful of Williams’ advise.

Paul Wiliams formulated his small house philosophy throughout his career. The early architectural competitions he entered often centered on designing small, affordable housing using specific building materials. He showed progress with each submission as he imagined what these homes could be. Before he was known as the designer of impressive historic revival homes, Williams was acknowledged by his peers as a master of the small house.

Williams never stopped thinking about the importance of expanding the availability of affordable housing to all Americans. In an essay published in Ebony (August 1963) Wiliams looked back on his career wistfully writing, “If I were young today I would start with the need for the development of the small home with the thought that a charming inexpensive home could be produced for the masses by forgetting the formula of houses today and mixing imagination with my thinking. What the world needs today is a new concept for a substantial, economical house.”

In 2015 Phil Hall posted a thoughtful essay on the electronic publication Progress In Lending Association (February 5, 2015) reminding his readers of the timeliness of Paul Williams’ smart thoughts on small homes. Williams “offered a bold challenge to home builders and property developers: create a new landscape of residential housing that was both aesthetically pleasing and efficient while keeping cost at a level that returning veterans and their families could properly afford… At a time when housing planning at every level … seems more reactive than proactive, the concept of taking the time to think things out becomes a very attractive commodity.”

1945

1947

1948

1949

Tennis Club, Palm Springs

The 1947 Palm Springs Tennis Club additions were a joint design project by Paul R. Williams and A. Quincy Jones. From 1939 to 1940, Jones worked as an architect in Williams’ firm, but by the time of this club redesign, they were collaborating as equals. Their vision transformed the existing club with its traditional tennis courts, swimming pool and dining room into a complex that fit naturally into the desert environment.

Appointed by Governor to State Agency

Governor Earl Warren recognized Williams’ character and integrity by appointing him to the State Redevelopment Agency. (1957 letter from the Governor of California in AIA file.)

Advises on movie Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House

In the 1948, RKO movie Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House, Mr. Blanding (Cary Grant) experienced building a home working with an architect, lawyers, builders and workmen. This is the first time in film history that a real house was built for a movie set.

“Those who have shuddered slightly at the prospect of what Hollywood will do with Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House may comfort themselves in the news that the Southern California Chapter, AIA, is on the job. Its president has appointed Robert Alexander, Welton Becket and Paul Williams to serve as a special committee to work with William Pereira—also AIA—in trying to make the film a fair representation of architect-client relationships.” (Journal of the American Institute of Architects, September 1947)

The General Electric “Dream Kitchen” featured in this movie was an early example of product placement in film.

How to Build a Home for $5,000 as told to Ebony

“Start small … Build a small house now, one that is a complete and attractive unit in itself, but has a floor plan designed to take more rooms as needed or as your budget increases … But be sure your plan will give you a pleasing house inside and out …”

Williams predicts that the “old-fashioned” living room will disappear in modern American homes. Living rooms will become “informal recreation and leisure rooms that open on a backyard garden.” (Ebony, March 1949)

This Williams’ floorplan for a 1960s development illustrates the informal recreation/leisure room he describes in the Ebony article.

Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company headquarters opens.

The new Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company headquarters was officially dedicated in a week long celebration in August 1949. Over 10,000 toured the building, including corporate officers, California Governor Knight, State Insurance Commissioner Downey and architect Williams.

This rendering of Golden State Mutual, drawn by Williams, hangs for many years in the executive offices of the company.

Paul Williams Designs Ultra Modern Home Furnishing Store

The March 1951 issue of Architect and Engineer described Paul Williams’ design for the new Beverly Hills branch of the W. J. Sloane store. The magazine described the five-story building on Wilshire Blvd as having “many merchandising and display facilities that are unique in the home furnishing field.” (This photograph is a typical staged Sloane room decorated with m erchandise from the store.) His design work for this store started in 1948 and was completed in 1951. It included window displays that could be positioned into place by elevators, underground parking for 150 cars and a model home built within the store “that will feature the latest in correlated groupings of all types of furnishings.”

The store was built by Del E. Webb Construction Company and was an example of their collaborative work with Paul R. Williams.

Honored in Community

Williams, along with two others, was honored at a banquet sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was recognized for his efforts to promote brotherhood in the Los Angeles community. “Williams, an internationally known architect, is a member of the board of directors of 14 organizations and corporations and is known for his interests in the YMCA and the Boy Scouts of America.” (Los Angeles Times, December 12, 1951)

1951

Moves to Lafayette Square

Williams designed and built a home for his family in the upper-middle-class Lafayette Square neighborhood of Los Angeles. Lafayette Square was home to many influential people in Los Angeles and by midcentury opened up to affluent African American professionals. Williams lived in this home until his death in 1980. This house was designated a historic and cultural landmark in Los Angeles County.

1952

Awarded Honorary Degree from Howard University

Williams’ relationship with Howard University began in 1931 when he was invited to participate in a campus exhibition highlighting the work of licensed, practicing African American architects. In 1952, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Architecture for his professional stature and service to the University.

Williams served as a Trustee of Howard University from 1957 through 1966.

1953

Awarded Spingarn Medal

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) annually awarded the gold Spingarn Medal to the African American who preformed at the highest and noblest level the previous year or years. Named in the memory of NAACP Chairman J.E. Spingarn (image), this award called attention to outstanding, high-achieving African Americans and rewarded their achievements.

In 1953 Paul R. Williams was selected as the 38th recipient of the Spingarn Medal. The official citation reads: “Endowed with creative talent and possessed of a will to achieve success in our competitive system, Paul R. Williams overcame early handicaps of poverty and racial discrimination to win national honor as one of America’s outstanding architects.”

Accepting the medal, Williams urged African Americans to become active, progressive citizens by becoming homeowners. In his speech, the architect articulated his personal philosophy of achievement. Through home-ownership, African Americans can improve their “standard of citizenship” and become active participants in American progress and “not apart from it.”

Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Williams Assist Ralph Edwards on “This Is Your Life”

“This Is Your Life” was an early version of today’s reality television. Emcee Ralph Edwards greeted an unsuspecting celebrity or outstanding citizen at the NBC Television Studios, retelling the story of their life to a curious American audience in under 30 minutes. The program was famous for emotion and tears as it depicted the “famous” as real people.

In 1953, Edwards suprised Mrs. Jesse L. Vann, newspaper publisher, with the story of her life. Mrs. Vann was one of the few African Americans featured on this TV show. Her friends Della and Paul Williams provided the pretext to bring her to the studio for the tribute.

1954

Los Angeles Times, July 7, 1954

“Funeral services for Mrs. Emily Clarkson Burnett, 90, stepmother of Paul R. Williams, internationally known architect, will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. today in the Angelus Funeral Home … besides her adopted son she leaves two granddaughters … She was born in Waterloo, Iowa. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.”

Reported in the July 29, 1954 issue of the popular magazine Jet: “Mrs. Emily Burnett, 90, foster mother of famed architect Paul R. Williams, dies of diseases incident to old age, in Rancho Los Amigos Sanitarium, Los Angeles.”

Hollywood Knickerbocker Hotel Renovation

A sketch of Williams’ renovation for the Knickerbocker was featured in the Los Angeles Times (March 14, 1954). The newspaper described the new front and forecourt in the sketch as a “strikingly attractive design.”

Hospital projects

Before the development of a vaccine, polio epidemics were frequent in the United States. In 1955, the Communicable Diseases (CD) Building for the Los Angeles County General Hospital system opened with facilities for 256 patients and 500 to 600 doctors, nurses and other specialists. This facility specialized in the treatment of polio. Adrian Wilson and Paul R. Williams were the architects for the CD Building and a related Respiratory Center at Rancho Los Amigos. Both buildings were dedicated at the same time.

Williams designed many hospitals throughout his career in joint ventures with other architects and solo: Los Angeles General Hospital, a complex of five buildings, 1947-1959 Westview Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, 1947 Tubercular Hospital, Ecuador, 1948 Rancho Los Amigos Respiratory Center, Downey, CA, 1953 (image) San Gabriel Hospital, Victorville, CA, 1958 Harbor General Hospital, Sacramento, CA, 1959 St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, 1962 Good Samaritan Hospital (garage) of Santa Clara, 1967

1955

Wins award for service

Wisdom Magazine selected important Americans to receive an award for “contributions to knowledge and distinguished service to mankind.” On the cover of its first issue in 1956 the magazine featured Albert Einstein. Williams was among the distinguished recipients of the magazine’s first award.

Other honorees that evening included: Bernard Baruch, advisor to Presidents and international financier; Eddie Cantor, comedian; Dr. Will Durant, historian and intellectual; Conrad Hilton, hotelier; Richard Neutra, architect; Pearl S. Buck, Nobel prize winning novelist; Maxwell Anderson, playwright; Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Broadway team.

Winston Churchill and Bernard Baruch pictured here were also featured on the cover of Wisdom Magazine.

Tuskegee Institute Confers Honorary Degree

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration at Tuskegee Institute, Williams was honored with an honorary degree Doctor of Fine Arts. In a 1957 letter from the Institute President, L. H. Foster, Williams was described as “…one of the persons in America who is doing outstanding work and who is measuring up fully to the highest traditions of their professions.”

1956

1957

Elected to College of Fellows American Institute of Architects

In an April 2, 1957, letter from the Executive Secretary of AIA, Williams was offered the honor of Fellowship and membership in the College of Fellows “for your notable contribution in Public Service.”

Excerpts from letters supporting his nomination include:

Graham Latta, Los Angeles Architect, July 1957 “…Paul’s achievements in Architectural design should not go unnoticed. Over the many years that I have been familiar with his work, I have become aware that it is consistently good, often with a personal touch that makes it recognizable without seeing his name.”

Adrian Wilson, Los Angeles Architect, January 1957 “I know him to be exceptionally well qualified as a designer…as an individual he is tactful, courteous, considerate and honest. The quality of his work follows suit.”

In a subsequent letter to an American ambassador, the AIA Executive Secretary wrote about Williams: “He has been a member of The American Institute of Architects since 1923 and a year or so ago he was advanced to Fellowship in The Institute and is now a member of our College of Fellows. He is the first negro to be so honored.”

1958

Selected to design Church of Religious Science

Dr. Earnest Holmes, Church of Religious Science founder, selected Paul Williams as the architect for their new round church in Los Angeles. Dr. Holmes suggested that the Devil can’t hide in the corners of a round building.

In this 1958 Jet photograph, Williams viewed a rendering of the church with Dr. Earnest Holmes.

1959

Predicts Americans return to urban life

Speaking at the 1959 annual meeting of the National Society of Interior Designers, Williams predicted that in 10 years “people will start coming back to the city to live and will want a home designed around business and social activity.” He described the future of housing as revolutionary. The home of the 1970s … “will possibly feature windowless walls on the street side with all rooms facing inward, and it would also have a filtered, circulating air system to escape the smog…”. (Los Angeles Times, October 20, 1959)

This prediction for the future represented a change in consumer behavior from that previously described in his book New Homes for Today (1946). In this book, Williams predicted that the new homeowner would “buy ground farther from the city where lots are larger. This added area would allow space for family activities” … and provide additional privacy.

A successful architect was always aware of changes in consumer behavior. This 1960s floorplan for the SeaView development illustrated how Williams redirected the living area of the home from the public street to the privacy of the backyard—what the new consumer wanted.

Community Service Center opens in Los Angeles

Los Angeles welcomed more than 500 new residents every day including 90 African Americans. To facilitate their search for housing and jobs, a Community Service Center opened on Western Street. The center was supported by the local Republican Party. Paul Williams chaired the Center’s executive board. (Jet)

1960s

Williams active in Republican Politics

In the 1960 Presidential election Paul Williams, along with Joe Louis (the former world heavy weight boxing champion), officially endorsed the Nixon-Lodge presidential ticket in the LA Times, November 3, 1960.

Louis believed Richard Nixon wasthe “best trained” candidate in the race. In this photograph Louis was in the ring with Max Schmeling in 1936.

1961

Serves with future president

Williams was a member of the advisory council of the Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles. In 1961 actor Ronald Reagan, future President of the United States, served with Williams on this advisory council.

Williams Given Honors at Testimonial

The California Eagle reported that Paul R. Williams was honored as “one of California’s distinguished native sons” at a celebratory breakfast attended by more than 300 people. Meritorious awards were given him from various city and county officials as well as the Young Republicans Unlimited for his service to the region. Prof. Charles A. Bigger dedicated a poem to the honoree, titled “The Man Wanted.”

1962

St. Jude Research Hospital Dedication

On February 4, 1962, St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, was officially opened. Williams supported the mission of the hospital and donated the plans to help entertainer Danny Thomas. Thomas had spent more than a decade raising money to build this shrine to St. Jude.

Listed among 100 richest African Americans

Ebony magazine consulted many experts to create a published list of the 100 wealthiest African Americans in 1962. Paul Williams was included on this list. The magazine stressed that these individuals “are the genuine articles, however, among the sham and sparkle of the Cadillac-and-Chris-Craft set…honest-to-goodness millionaires often shun the public eye.”

National accolade for use of steel

The Esso gasoline station at LAX, designed by Williams and other noted Los Angeles architectural firms, was cited by the American Institute of Steel Construction for the imaginative use of steel. The canopy over the gas station had a high-rib steel decking radiating from its center. “Under the canopy are smaller free standing circular structures framed with steel decking.” (New York Times, June 3, 1962)

1963

If I Were Young Today

The essay “If I Were Young Today” appeared in Ebony, August 1963, in a series about successful African Americans reflecting on their careers. During the interview Williams talked about his career choice, “Architecture is the most fascinating profession in the world and one which I thoroughly enjoy.” As a young man Williams knew of only one African American in the profession — Booker T. Washington’s son-in-law William S. Pittman — when he decided to become an architect.

When Williams was deciding on his career path, the profession was almost exclusively white and male. African Americans were typically trained in the skilled building trades. In this 1899 photograph, students were learning bricklaying and masonry skills at the Hampton Institute.

1964

Successful American Negroes

In the issue naming Martin Luther King, Jr. as TIME’s “Man of the Year” is an 8-page photographic essay listing “some unsung Negro successes in American life.”

Paul Revere Williams is included in this list approximately 25 African Americans; others are:
Alonzo Wright, Realtor
Hattie Mae White, School Board Member
Henry Lewis, Musical Conductor
Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., U.S. Navy Commander
Carl T. Rowan, Diplomat
John M. Burgess, Bishop
Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Astronaut Candidate

Portrait of Paul R. Williams by Taylor Martin for the Paul R. Williams Project.

1965

Festival at Rockford College features Williams’ renderings

The April 1965 issue of Negro Digest described a festival organized by Rockford College near Chicago. The festival celebrated “Creativity and The Negro” and included “architectural renderings by Paul Williams, photographs by Gordon Parks and singing by the inimitable Josh White.” This small liberal arts college with a new “forward looking” president in a conservative Midwestern city, organized this festival reflecting the evolving societal attitude toward African Americans and their accomplishments.

Jane Addams, awarded the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize, was a Rockford College alum. Seen here she was remembered as a pioneering social worker and feminist.

1966

Concrete Design—Fedco Department Store

Williams designed the Fedco Department Store in Pasadena, CA, and used modern concrete technology (shrinkage-compensated concrete). The building was designed with “tilt-up” panels made of expansive concrete—a material resistant to drying-shrinkage, crackingm and leaking. “The success of such projects is beginning to point the way to a new era of concrete technology, when design need not take into account the phenomenon of drying-shrinkage cracking.” (AIA Journal, October 1966)

1967

Williams Called a “Dean of Architects”

A profile of Paul Williams was published in the September issue of Designers West. In this article, Williams described the on-going challenges of designing California homes. Creating plans for difficult building sites and understanding the client were important elements for “making a home.” Williams believed that imagination was the most important tool an architect could employ in solving design problems. “There is no end of things you can do with a home if you use a little imagination.”

The ubiquitous 1960s split-level ranch house (image) was an architectural design solution for California’s hilly terrain. Developers embraced its economy of construction and wide appeal. The style became one of the most popular for the emerging house-hungry middle-class and spreads beyond western hills to undeveloped land across the country. One critic panned this wide-spread misuse, “A split level without a hill is a monstrosity — a single-story ranch house and a two-story Cape Codder locked in mortal combat with the chief loser the owner.” (Life, October 6, 1958)

The modern suburban split-level ranch first appears in the 1960s. The design illustrated an important moment in American cultural history, when the public wants home design to accommodate not only the family but their car and television with “dens” and carports.

The typical split ranch had three levels with casual floor plans, lower-pitch roofs and eat-in kitchens (a quad has a basement). The upper-level, reached by a half flight of stairs holds the bedrooms and baths. Middle spaces were reserved for the formal living room, kitchen and dining area. The lower level had less formal family spaces such as the den with television. Early splits were 800-1,000 square feet, but by the 90s size expanded to more than 2,100.

The Clair F. and Jean Shank house (image) is an example of the typical ranch style split-level residence of the 1960s with the garage and driveway integral to the design. The home is built masonite and brick.

1968

Jay Paley House Rediscovered by Architectural Digest

In 1968, hotel executive Barron Hilton purchased the residence Williams originally designed for Jay Paley. Searching Beverly Hills for a home large enough for his growing family and lavish entertaining schedule, Hilton selected this classic 1930s residence. Architectural Digest’s photographic essay highlighed the home’s grounds, grand rooms and traditional elegance. (These pictures are similar to the hundreds Mott Studios supplied to publications when the house was first built–an example of a Mott photo is shown here.)

Hilton modernized and refreshed the interior, but left the Williams’ design largely intact.

Just as Paley enjoyed a good party, the Hiltons noted that “… the house has proven to lend itself well to all kinds of social activities.”

1969

Williams’ Contributions to Los Angeles Architectural History Appreciated

Modern owners of vintage Paul Williams’ residences located in historic residential developments showed their appreciation and pride in living in one of his homes by allowing non-profit organizations to conduct fundraising tours. In November 1969, a classic Williams Spanish Revival mansion in Flintridge was one of five homes the Pasadena Symphony Association included in their annual Holiday Tour.

To create interest in the fundraiser, Los Angeles Times writer Kim Blair interviewed Williams about how he created his personal interpretation of Spanish Revival architecture. Williams stated, “We were trying to bring back the Spanish feeling to Southern California and for those who wanted something more opulent than the Mission styles we borrowed ideas from the entire Mediterranean area.”

Blair noted the rich architectural details still evident in the Williams designed home including paneled walls of rare woods, carved cornices, beamed ceilings, custom grill work, arched windows and doors and a wonderful flow to the formal public rooms. She added— “Few artisans today are still doing the elaborate wood carvings, carved mansonry and the delicate wrought-iron work which marks the Mediterranean homes built during the 20s.” Though these details were impressive to her modern readers, they were also hallmarks of a classic Williams Spanish Revival design.

The current owner Mrs. A.W. Horton stated, “Even if one could find the craftsmen to do such work, the construction cost would be almost prohibitive.” (Los Angeles Times. November 16, 1969)

50 Years of Home Design

Nearing his retirement from active practice, Paul R. Williams’ abilities as a master of California elegance are recognized by influential Los Angeles interior designers—a 1934 estate from his “bygone days” is selected as the 1970 Design House West. The decorators refreshed the interior of the 30-room Barrick mansion on Ambazac Way and bring it back to “modern-day life.” Public tours of the house were a fundraiser for various cancer-related charities.

To publicize the event Los Angeles Times writer Maggie Savoy interviewed Williams. In the lengthy article the architect reminisced about his work with famous and powerful clients and the importance of their individual psychologies in personalizing the design. “People don’t always know what they want. It is the architect’s job to help them find it, and keep within the bounds of grace.” Williams’ tact, refined taste and ability to design a home, no matter the size, became his signature. Looking back on his professional career, Paul Williams’ interview with Savoy is an excellent summary of his aesthetic and work philosophy.

This photograph shows Williams’ design for one of his important 20th century celebrity clients—Frank Sinatra. This example of chic midcentury architecture was torn down.

1970s

USC Honors Williams

As Paul R. Williams began to think about retiring from active practice he is honored by peers and others in the community. Tributes were announced at a testimonial dinner given for Williams. University of Southern California named a room in his honor in the soon-to-be-completed Watt Hall in the architectural complex. In addition the creation of the USC Paul Williams Scholarship in architecture is announced and Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association donated the first check.

1973

The Family Keeps Changing, But The Design Remains

Los Angeles Herald Examiner (California Living), April 11, 1976

“One of the last projects which architect Paul Williams F.A.I.A gave personal attention before his retirement—an elegant colonial house on USC’s sorority row— was also a first for the famed Los Angeles architect. He had never designed a sorority house. He said he wanted to ‘design the most beautiful sorority house in America.’ “

The sorority house is seen in this contemporary photograph.

Operation Sail: Ships From 20 Nations to Join in Bicentennial Event

Gadsden Times, December 13, 1975

” ‘I don’t think you’ll see anything of this magnitude again,’ said Harry Lynch, who heads the Boston end of the operation. ‘It will be the greatest armada of sailing ships ever seen in this hemisphere. There is no doubt about it being the biggest spectacle of 1976.’”

1976

1980s

Paul Revere Williams dies January 1980

In January Paul Revere Williams died in a Los Angeles Hospital at the age of 85. He was survived by his wife Della, his daughters and grandchildren.

Though he retired in 1973 from the day-to-day activities of architecture, his firm continued for a number of years. (Jet. February 14, 1980)

1990s

Williams’ professional records lost

Williams’ business records (letters, drawings, photographs) are stored at the headquarters of Broadway Federal Savings in Watts. Williams renovated and repurposed this former Woolworth’s building in 1954 for the bank. During “the turmoil and civil unrest that rocked Los Angeles” in the aftermath of the jury’s verdict in the Rodney King case, the building and all contents were burned.