Alma Carlisle facts for kids

Alma Fairfax Carlisle (born Alma Fairfax Murray on July 9, 1927) is an American architect and architectural historian. She is famous for her work in Los Angeles. Her efforts helped save many historic places and neighborhoods in the city.

About Alma Carlisle

Alma Carlisle was born and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. From a young age, she was interested in buildings and their history. Her family, especially her father, worked in real estate. They encouraged her interest in architecture.

Education and Family Life

In 1950, Alma graduated from Howard University. She earned a degree in architecture. She graduated with cum laude, which means "with honors." This shows she was a very good student.

Alma married David Kay Carlisle on July 28, 1953. They had three children together. For many years, she focused on raising her family as a homemaker.

Working in Los Angeles

In 1975, Alma and her family moved to Los Angeles. Soon after, she started working for the City of Los Angeles. She joined the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering as an architectural associate.

Her job was to research and find evidence to help save old buildings. She looked at historic places in 27 different neighborhoods. Her work helped create four "Historic Preservation Overlay Zones." These are special areas where old buildings are protected. She also helped protect over 50 "Historic-Cultural Monuments."

Two important areas she worked on were Melrose Hill (in 1984) and Whitley Heights (in 1990). These projects helped preserve the unique character of these neighborhoods.

Alma Carlisle retired from the city in 1996. However, in 2001, she joined an architectural company called Myra L. Frank & Associates. She continued her important work of preserving history through architecture.

See also

In Spanish: Alma Carlisle para niños

• African-American architects