Walter Livingston (architect) facts for kids

Walter R. Livingston Jr. (May 25, 1922 – June 8, 2011) was an important American architect, activist, and city planner. He helped design many famous buildings and worked hard to improve communities, especially in Philadelphia. His work left a lasting mark on the city.

Meet Walter Livingston: Architect and Community Leader

Walter's Early Life and Education

Walter R. Livingston Jr. was born and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Eloise Nelson Livingston, was a school teacher. His father, Walter R. Livingston Sr., was a lawyer and engineer. Walter also had a sister named Grace.

He graduated from Central High School (Philadelphia) in 1939. After high school, he went to Cheyney University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1943.

Walter then joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He served for two years as a Technical Sergeant. He was very brave and received two Bronze Stars for his actions in the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, he was honorably discharged from the Army. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania. There, he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1949. Later, in 1955, he also received a Master of City Planning degree.

Walter's Family Life

In 1951, Walter Livingston married Marjorie V. Cachie from New York. They shared a loving marriage for 60 years. Together, they had six children: three boys and three girls.

Their family grew to include twelve grandchildren. They also had eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Walter cherished his large and loving family.

Walter's Amazing Career in Architecture

In 1960, Mr. Livingston started his first architecture firm. He worked as a senior partner in several firms for nearly 50 years. During his career, he designed projects worth over three-quarters of a billion dollars.

His projects included homes, businesses, schools, and industrial buildings. He worked for both public and private clients. In 1976, his fellow architects honored him. He became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. This was a special award for his great contributions to architecture. He was the first Black Philadelphian to receive this honor.

His firms designed many important buildings. These include the Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, Zion Baptist Church, and Triumph Baptist Church. He also designed the Edison/Fareira High School and the Martin Luther King Recreation Center. Other notable works include the West Branch YMCA and the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. He also designed the Ada B. George Dining Hall at Cheyney University. He was licensed to practice architecture in several states.

Making a Difference: Awards and Community Service

Walter Livingston was not only a great architect but also a dedicated community leader. He served on many boards and received numerous awards for his public service.

He was a past president of the Philadelphia Urban League. In 1994, they gave him the Whitney Young Heritage Award. This award recognized his important contributions to the community.

The Boy Scouts of America honored him with the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards. These awards recognized his dedication and service to young people. In 1978, he received the Jefferson Award. This was for his extraordinary contributions to public service.

In 1980, Cheyney University gave him the Leslie Pinckney Hill Centennial Recognition Citation. This was for his work in architecture and city planning.

Mr. Livingston served on many important boards. These included the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America. He also served on the boards of The Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper and the Center Post Housing Development.

In 2011, he received the Ephraim D. Saunders award. This award honored his family for their exceptional community service. He was also a 33-degree mason. He was a member of the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Church. He belonged to the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Union League of Philadelphia. He was also a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of Rotary International.