Louis John Gill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Louis John Gill
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| Born | May 9, 1885 |
| Died | August 19, 1969 (aged 84) |
| Alma mater | Syracuse University |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Buildings | San Diego County Administration Building, San Diego Zoo, Sacred Heart Church in Coronado |
Louis John Gill (born May 9, 1885, died August 19, 1969) was a talented architect. He worked mostly in San Diego, California. He was the nephew of another famous architect, Irving Gill. They even worked together for a while. The San Diego Historical Society called Louis Gill "one of San Diego's greatest architects."
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Louis Gill's Early Life and Career
Louis J. Gill grew up in Syracuse, New York. He finished college at Syracuse University in 1911. Right after college, he moved to San Diego. He started working for his uncle's architecture company. He began as a draftsman, drawing plans for buildings. By 1913, he was the main draftsman.
In 1914, his uncle made him a partner. Their company was called Gill and Gill, Architects. This partnership lasted for five years. While working with his uncle, Louis helped design important buildings. These included the La Jolla Woman's Club and the Ellen Browning Scripps home. The La Jolla Woman's Club is now a historic place. The Scripps home is now the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
Designing the San Diego Zoo
In 1919, Louis and his uncle ended their partnership. Louis started his own architecture business. He had already begun taking on his own projects before this. In 1916, he was chosen to be the architect for the new San Diego Zoo.
He designed the first buildings and animal homes for the Zoo. Louis stayed on the Zoo's team for over 20 years. He designed and updated many buildings and exhibits there.
Making Buildings Safer: Earthquake Codes
In 1933, a big earthquake hit Long Beach, California. Louis Gill traveled there right away. He was the president of the California State Board of Architectural Examiners. He carefully studied why buildings fell apart during the earthquake.
His findings helped create new laws for building safety in California. These laws are called earthquake codes. They include the Field Act for schools and the Riley Act for all other buildings. These safety rules are now used in many places around the world.
Other Important Roles
Louis Gill also helped start the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This is a group for architects. He worked on the California State Board of Architectural Examiners for more than 20 years. He was president of this board twice.
He retired in 1955. Louis and his wife lived in San Diego's Mission Hills area. In July 1969, he moved to Studio City. He passed away there on August 19, 1969.
Notable Buildings Designed by Louis Gill
Louis Gill designed many important buildings. Most of them are in San Diego. Here are some of his famous works:
- Dr. Harry Wegeforth residence (1916): This home is now the Junior League of San Diego.
- Sacred Heart Church in Coronado: This church is in the Mission Revival style. Many people think it is his best church design.
- Mission Hills Congregational Church: This church has a modified Spanish Revival style.
- St. James-by-the-Sea church in La Jolla: Its tower looks like a church in Mexico City.
- Rees-Stealy Clinic (1926)
- San Diego Hospital Clinic (1928): This building is now the Arlington Apartment Hotel.
- Hardware and Grocery Store (1929) in San Ysidro, San Diego: This building is now an art gallery.
- San Diego County Administration Center (1938): Louis Gill led the team of four architects who designed this building. It is now a historic place.
- Projects at the San Diego Zoo:
- 1916: He designed the first buildings, cages, and animal grottos.
- 1922: He changed an old building from the Panama Exposition into the Reptile House and Zoo entrance.
- 1926: He designed a research hospital in the Spanish Revival style. He won an award for this design.
- 1937: He designed a huge bird cage. It was the biggest bird cage in the world at that time.
Awards and Recognition
Louis Gill received many honors for his work:
- In 1938, his old college, Syracuse University, gave him a special degree. They called him a "skilled designer and leader" in architecture.
- The American Institute of Architects chose him as a Fellow in 1942. This was to honor his excellent architectural work. It also recognized his help to the San Diego Chapter and his work in the community.
- His collected papers and designs are kept at the University of California, Santa Barbara's Art, Design & Architecture Museum.
