Insuring the City

Talk at Skyscraper Museum

Elihu — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:58:18 +0000

Here’s the spring line-up at the Skyscraper Museum and I couldn’t be more pleased to kick things off with a romp through mid-century architecture, development, and design practices. You can RSVP with the Museum if you know you can come, or you are welcome to just show up on March 7, 6.30 PM – 8.00 PM, at 39 Battery Place.

from my collection: New England Mutual

Elihu — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 04:21:32 +0000

The New England Mutual, 1939, Cram & Ferguson, anchored the Back Bay insurance district. Trinity Church, 1877, H. H. Richardson, in foreground.

Skyscraper Museum

Elihu — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:56:33 +0000

I’ll be doing a book talk at the Skyscraper Museum in New York on Thursday 7th March. Come on down!

New Haven Book Launch

Elihu — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:56:55 +0000

Thrilled that the Institute Library will host the New Haven launch of Insuring the City. You are invited!

And I want to thank Jasdeep Bhalla for designing this poster.

Northeastern Poster

Elihu — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 22:57:03 +0000

Totally digging on this poster produced by Northeastern student Chelsea Brown for my talk at NEU School of Architecture on September 24. You recognize, of course, the staggered aluminum-frame facade of our favorite office tower.

Upcoming Talks: SAH-NY and Mass. Historical Society

Elihu — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 22:43:58 +0000

Very happy to have two opportunities in the coming weeks to speak about Insuring the City.

New York chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians
Thursday, October 11, 6.30 pm
New York University Department of Art History
Silver Center, Room 301
100 Washington Square East (entrance on Waverly)
New York City

You are welcome to attend!

Massachusetts Historical Society
Wednesday, October 17, 6.00 pm (reception at 5.30)
1154 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts

Open to the public!

Sept. 24: Northeastern Talk

Elihu — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 03:35:03 +0000

a sketch: pavilion and plaza

Elihu — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 05:08:33 +0000

This 1963 drawing from Charles Luckman’s offices demonstrates the architects’ aspirations for the retail pavilions — there were four of them, one at each of the tower’s corners — at the Prudential Center. The lower level is marked “Sterns,” the department store, and escalators ascend to the plaza level with its glass-enclosed shops and open-air corridor.

Tension Between Architect and Client

Elihu — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:58:55 +0000

Charles Luckman Associates (CLA) took on design responsibilities for many of the key tenants at the Prudential Center, including the New England Merchants Bank, which occupied the entire southwest commercial pavilion as well as a floor in the tower. Luckman’s attention was divided and this did not sit well with Wes Toole, Prudential’s executive overseeing the Regional Home Office program. In October 1964, He wrote a biting letter to Charles Stanton, the head of CLA’s office in New York, complaining about Luckman’s behavior. He wanted to remind that firm that “Luckman is representing Prudential first, and any of the tenants secondly, and should be guided accordingly . . .” Prudential was not used to playing second fiddle. Luckman was quick to patch up his relationship with Toole, who carried a lot of influence.

“White Collar” Landscape

Elihu — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:26:47 +0000

On a recent sunny day during lunch time, the North terrace of the Prudential Center food court was full of “white collar” workers . . . though they all seemed to be wearing blue shirts. The facade of the tower in the background is the original. The enclosed food court – dressed up with some simple and colorful postmodern detailing – is part of more recent renovations.