John Moutoussamy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Moutoussamy
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| Born | January 5, 1922 Chicago, Illinois, US
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| Died | May 6, 1995 (aged 73) Burnham, Illinois, US
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| Education | Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Hunt |
| Children | 3, including Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe |
| Relatives | Arthur Ashe (son-in-law) |
John Warren Moutoussamy (born January 5, 1922 – died May 6, 1995) was an important American architect. He is famous for designing the main building for the Johnson Publishing Company in downtown Chicago, Illinois. This building was a tall skyscraper. Moutoussamy was also the first African-American architect to design a high-rise building in Chicago.
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John Moutoussamy's Early Life
John Moutoussamy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 5, 1922. His parents were Jean Marie Moutoussamy and Julia Nettie Walker.
He went to the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1948, he earned his degree there. He studied with a very famous architect named Mies van der Rohe.
John Moutoussamy's Career and Buildings
John Moutoussamy designed many important buildings. He is best known for the Johnson Publishing Company headquarters. This building is on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. It was finished in 1971. It is still the only tall building in downtown Chicago designed by an African-American architect.
Johnson Publishing Company Building
The Johnson Publishing Company building was very special. Architectural Digest magazine said it had colorful walls. It also had bright, patterned carpets inside. These designs celebrated black culture and business.
In 2018, this building became a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place. In 2019, the building started to be changed into apartments. But the signs for Ebony and Jet magazines stayed on the building. These magazines used to be based there.
Other Notable Designs
Moutoussamy designed other buildings in the Chicago area too. These include:
- Richard J. Daley College
- Olive–Harvey College
- Harry S. Truman College
- The Chicago Urban League building
- The 36-story Regents Park twin towers in Hyde Park, Chicago
He was also the first African-American architect to be a partner in a big architecture firm. This firm was called Dubin Dubin Black & Moutoussamy. He also served on the boards of Loyola University Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Moutoussamy designed a house for himself. It was located at 361 East 89th Place in Chicago.
John Moutoussamy's Family Life
John Moutoussamy was married to Elizabeth Hunt (1922–2006). They had three children together. Their children were John, Claude, and Jeanne Marie.
Their daughter, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, is a photographer. She was married to the famous tennis player Arthur Ashe. They were married from 1977 until he passed away in 1993.
John Moutoussamy passed away in 1995. His funeral was held at St Thomas the Apostle. He was buried at St Mary's Cemetery in Chicago.
