Wendell Jerome Campbell facts for kids

Wendell Campbell (born April 27, 1927 – died July 9, 2008) was an important African American architect. He learned from famous architects like Mies Van Der Rohe at the Illinois Institute of Technology. After finishing his studies in 1957, it was hard for him to find a job because of unfair treatment due to his race. So, in 1966, he started his own company. Campbell became well-known for designing many buildings in Chicago and Gary, Indiana. He also helped plan new developments for big cities across the United States. In 1971, he helped start the National Organization of Minority Architects and was its first leader. He received special awards, like the Whitney Young Medal of Honor in 1976, for his great work.

Early Life and Education

Wendell Campbell was born on April 27, 1927, in East Chicago, Indiana. He grew up with five brothers and sisters. His father was a carpenter and the first Black general contractor in Chicago. Young Wendell often helped his dad with building projects. This is how he learned carpentry skills from a young age.

In 1945, Campbell graduated from high school as a top student. After school, he joined the army during World War II. He served in Japan, helping to design bridges and roads. After 14 months, he returned home and decided to study architecture.

Campbell received a scholarship to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 1957, he earned his degree in Architecture and City Planning. While there, he studied with famous architects Mies Van Der Rohe and Ludwig Hilberseimer. Campbell said they taught him how to think and solve problems. This skill helped him with many of his future projects.

A Career in Architecture

After graduating, Campbell worked at the Purdue Calumet Development Foundation. For ten years, he helped with projects to improve cities in that area. In 1966, he started his own company, Wendell Campbell Associates. The company's name changed a few times over the years.

From 1970 to 1975, it was called Campbell and Macsai. This was when he worked with architect John Macsai. Later, in 1976, it became Campbell Tiu Campbell. This new name recognized his daughter, Susan, and his business partner, Domingo Tiu.

Helping Minority Architects

In 1971, Campbell helped create the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He was also its first president. He worked hard to make the architecture field more fair for everyone. Because of his efforts, he received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award.

Designing Important Buildings

In 1981, Campbell was asked to design the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. This center became a symbol of Black achievement in Gary. It was used for 35 years and hosted basketball teams.

Campbell also worked on many famous buildings in Chicago. He helped with the expansion of McCormick Place in 1986. This is a very large convention center.

He also helped remodel the DuSable Museum of African American History. Later, he designed the Harold Washington Wing for the museum, which opened in 1993.

In 1997, Campbell designed the Trinity United Church of Christ. This church is one of the largest Black churches in Chicago, with thousands of members.

From 1999, Campbell's firm worked on the Chicago Military Academy. This school is located in the historic Eighth Regiment Armory building. This building was built in 1915 for an all-Black army group. In 2000, the restoration of the Armory won a special award for historic preservation.

Campbell also designed homes and apartment buildings. He designed a home in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood in 1962. He also designed two tall apartment buildings: 1240 N. Lake Shore Drive and The WaterFord Condominiums.

Besides designing new buildings, Campbell also helped restore old ones. He worked on the Michigan Avenue Draw Bridge and the Metcalf Federal Building. He also helped plan new developments for big cities like New Orleans, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Milwaukee.

Personal Life and Community Work

Wendell Campbell cared deeply about fairness and helping others. He worked to create better chances for education and jobs. He served on the boards of many organizations, including Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, AIA Chicago, and the Black Ensemble Theatre. He also served on the board of NOMA, the organization he helped start.

In 1954, Campbell married June Crusor Campbell. They had two daughters, Susan Campbell-Smith and Leslie Campbell. His daughter Susan later became a partner in his architecture firm.