Abstract

The Albert Builders collection was received from J. Brock Albert in 1989. It is a large collection with the bulk of the material being drawings of single family homes that were designed by Albert Builders from the mid 1950s to the mid 1960s. Also included are abstracts for Paris Township for the 1950s.

Abstract This devised collection attempts to bring together and coordinate materials about Grand Rapids physical structures and the planned and unplanned areas which those structures currently or previously occupied. Data on buildings by name and location are incorporated, including information on the site, builders and architects, as the information is available. Included are city planning documents with related site planning, layout, urban design and physical infrastructure data. Included is...

Abstract

James R. Bronkema was an architect from Grand Rapids, Mich, primarily active in the 1940s and 1950s. The homes he designed and built were part of the mid-century modern design aesthetic. This collection contains photos of some of the homes he built as well as materials from his days as a navy pilot. Also included in this collection are press clippings related to the fiftieth anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, a celebration which Bronkema chaired after moving to California.

Abstract The Laura Lorenson photographs contains images which primarily document architecture and buildings in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Included are 464 photographs and 8 photo postcards depicting views of various houses, churches, businesses and public buildings. Most of the images are black and white snapshots, but occasional color images are found. The images were taken in the late 1950s, but most of the houses date to the construction period of 1850-1920 and represent examples of various styles...

Abstract Ralph W. Demmon (1894-1978) was a Grand Rapids, Michigan designer and architect. Demmon is perhaps best known today as the designer of the war memorial pillars in Veteran's Memorial Park in Grand Rapids. He also did furniture design and had an architectural practice. This collection includes papers, scrapbooks, ephemera, photographs and drawings detailing Demmon's World War I service, his education at the University of Michigan and his architectural career. Also included are an oral history...

Abstract This a devised reference collection containing material related to the 1950s proposed Homestyle Center project in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The collection is named for Arleigh (Bud) C. Hitchcock, the executive director of the project. The Homestyle Center would have included demonstration houses created by notable architects and furnished with modern or traditional furniture and appliances, matched together as a complete interior design. The houses would act as showrooms and would be changed...