User:Maryelizabeth10/The Unitarian Church in Westport

The Unitarian Church in Westport

Designed in 1959 by architect Victor Lundy and completed in 1965, The Unitarian Church in Westport is widely recognized as an outstanding example of mid-century modern architecture. It received a Progressive Architecture Magazine Award in 1960 and has been the focus of numerous press articles on mid-century architecture, design and site planning. It also received a special award from the Connecticut Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2007. That same year, the Church held a 50th anniversary celebration to commemorate the construction of the Church. The program featured a panel discussion with members of the Board and Building Committee (1958-1961), then minister Rev. Arnold Westwood and architect Victor Lundy. In 2009, the Church was highlighted as an “important modern building in the community” in Westport Historic Society’s exhibit “Westport Modern: When Cool Was Hot.” In conjunction with the exhibit, two local architects led a study tour of the building entitled “The Unitarian Church: Still Cool at 50.” The Church was listed by the Town on an inventory of historic sites worthy of preservation in 2008.

'Victor Lundy, Architect

Victor Alfred Lundy was born February 1, 1923 in Manhattan. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Harvard University after serving as an infantry sergeant in the U.S. Army in World War II. In his master's program at Harvard, Lundy studied under Walter Gropius. After traveling extensively abroad on a Rotch Traveling Scholarship, Lundy worked at different firms in New York City before he received his architectural registration. Lundy established his own firm in Sarasota in 1954. There he designed the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Building (today's Visitor Information Center), the addition to Alta Vista Elementary School, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and the Herron House. Lundy is known for his dramatic roofs and the interactions between his dynamic forms and the landscape. Lundy was made a fellow by the American Institute of Architects in 1967. He was a visiting professor and lecturer at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, Columbia University, Yale University, University of Arkansas, and University of California at Berkeley. Lundy was made an adjunct professor of architecture at University of Houston after he opened a firm there in 1976.