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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-17 City Commission Packet Materials - MP1. Fred F. Willson Proclamation Fred F. Willson Proclamation WHEREAS, Fred Fielding Willson was a remarkable architect whose legacy of over 1000 Montana buildings continues to influence and enrich the lives of countless people; and WHEREAS, The lives and institutions positively impacted by Fred Willson’s architecture in the field of education alone are impressive. Bozeman schools, including the Emerson, Irving, Longfellow, Hawthorne and the Willson Administration Building all have the common thread of a Fred Willson design. Buildings on the Montana State University campus, Hamilton, Traphagen, Roberts and Herrick Halls, the Quads, Lewis & Clark, Pryor, Colter and Mullan dorms and the original Student Union Building were designed by Willson. Although Bozeman is at the epicenter of Willson’s projects, many cities in Montana have Fred Willson buildings actively being used; and WHEREAS, Bozeman was Willson’s hometown where he was educated through college at what is now MSU, and his advanced studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Columbia University and studies at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. These experiences all combined to give Willson a broad-based architectural vocabulary from rustic park architecture to Art Deco to Neo Classical. Thus, Willson’s signature style cannot be placed in one category; and WHEREAS, Fred Willson’s designs are eclectic, resulting in a rich variety of buildings that contribute to the character of the City of Bozeman. The common elements running through his designs are excellence, attention to detail, proportion, scale and an intense focus on design that matches the needs of the people to the building’s structure and character; and WHEREAS, Few American architects share Fred Willson’s distinction of having 25 or more of their buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Ellen Theatre, the Baxter Hotel, the Gallatin County Courthouse, and the former Gallatin County Jail; and WHEREAS, Willson’s design philosophy is best expressed in his own words: “Design goes beyond the structure and the economics. It is concerned with people, their needs, their wants, and their happiness.” Indeed, his timeless designs, the ongoing use and the appreciation of “his buildings” are testaments to his unique contribution to his profession and the people he served. 328 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I , Carson Taylor, Mayor of the City of Bozeman proclaim that the second week in November, 2017, be declared Fred F. Willson week to honor and pay tribute to the hometown architect who was born in Bozeman 140 years ago - on November 11, 1877. Willson’s ongoing legacy enriches all who have his buildings as a part of their lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Bozeman, Montana, to be affixed this 6th day of November, 2017. Signed and proclaimed this 6th day of November, 2017 in Bozeman, Montana. ______________________________________________ Carson Taylor Mayor Bozeman, Montana 329