Welcome to the Paul R. Williams Project!
April 6, 2009 is a long-anticipated day for the project committee and for the many people and organizations who have participated and contributed to the idea of raising awareness and encouraging interest in the remarkable career of Paul R. Williams. In this first post, the committee wants to recognize and thank the organizations that have made it possible for the website, blog and you to be here.
The Design Program of the National Endowment for the Arts awarded the original project grant in mid-2007 for archival and image research and development of the website, in addition to funds for photo reproduction rights, new photography and travel for planning and research. Later in 2007, the Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded a grant for web development, the education program and exhibition design. The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, in 2008, granted additional funds for the exhibition. Everything that has been accomplished and everything still in development is the product of these institutions’ generosity and belief in the importance of the Paul R. Williams Project. We are extremely grateful.
We hope you will look around the website and let us know what you think, and, above all, let us and eveyone else know what you know or would like to know about Paul R. Williams.
The Town and Country Center, located in Palm Springs, CA. is threathened with demolition. The developer/owner wishes to put a street where the center stands. Historic Designation by the City of Palm Springs is underway , but opposition to the designation is quite vocal and organized.
Again today, I was encouraged to realize that I really can teach this subject - architecture and art are tightly intertwined, and I would love to pass on my love of both to students. Our environments, both natural and created, have such an impact on our lives, and anything we can do to encourage an appreciation of that importance can only enhance a student’s understanding of their place in their community and how they can make positive change to benefit themselves and their neighbors.
Hi Deborah, et al;
Great web site. It should develop into being a great resource for Williams aficionados and scholars over the years. There is much info here to get people started into looking deeper into this man’s extremely interesting story. I have already posted a blog entry regarding the collaboration between A. Quincy jones and Williams on 7 projects right after World War II your visitors may also be interested in and highly recommended your site. Keep up the wonderful work and keep improving the site as additional material is discovered. All the best.
John Crosse
so-cal-arch-history.com
jocrosse@ca.rr.com
John-
Great posting… as usual. Thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge with all of us.
Deborah
I’m trying to find out if a home was built by Paul Williams? The building permit does not mention the architects name but all the neighbors and prior owner said it was one of his house that he built. Could anyone help me find this out. Thanks, Clay Hinrichs
Hi all…I’m in Las Vegas and I’m curious as to a couple of builidings I’ve seen credited to PRW, but they aren’t listed on this page. Can anyone confirm if the following two structures were designed by Williams: Royal Nevada Motel (failed in the early 50’s, became part of the Dunes) and the Moulin Rouge Motel/Casino? So far the only ones I see on the site are the Catholic church and the La Concha…but I’ve seen him credited on a few more buildings here. Any thoughts?
Thanks for your interest in our project.
Yes, I have seen information re the Royal Nevada and Paul R. Williams. There is a list on the UNLV School of Architecture web page … sorry I don’t have the exact address… that lists all hotels, casinos, motels, etc in Las Vegas along with their histories ie owners, architects, dates, destructions. After reading your note I did recheck the list of projects on Karen Hudson’s published list and did not find a mention of either of the two motels. Ms Hudson did list the Flamingo but I’m not sure how much Williams did on that property… total concept, in partnership, a remodel, etc.
The Moulin Rouge was an important African American Hotel that was open for a short time. I believe if he had a design relationship with the Moulin Rouge, I would have seen it somewhere. It would be great if that pans out!
As for the images we include on the Gallery, the Gallery is an incomplete listing and is not the last word. Williams was associated with 3000+ buildings and we are hearing of new ones every week. In fact we have included two news ones in Nevada in the Gallery. As we take photos or get access to new images we study the building and then post.
Let us know if you find out anything more.
Thanks again
Deborah Brackstone