John L. Wilson papers

1915-1989

Architect John Louis Wilson, Jr. was one of the designers of the Harlem River Houses in New York City. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Wilson graduated from Gilbert Academy Prep School in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1916, and New Orleans University (now Dillard University) in 1920. Wilson became a registered architect in 1930, after graduating from Columbia University School of Architecture in 1928.

In 1934, Wilson was commissioned to work with a team of architects to design the Harlem River Houses. He was employed as an architect by the New York City Parks Department from the 1930s until 1960, and he maintained a private practice. In his private practice, he designed multistory and high rise dwellings and early childhood learning centers, and modified existing structures. His work includes the Mount Morris Park Senior Citizens Housing Project and the Multi-Family High Rise at 193rd Street and Bailey Avenue, both in New York City.

Wilson helped found the Council for the Advancement of the Negro in Architecture and served as chairman of the Equal Opportunities Committee of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects from 1967 to 1970. In 1977, he was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Wilson's awards include the Andrew J. Thomas Award, 1972; a tribute, sponsored by the New York Coalition of Black Architects, which honored his work and contributions to architecture, 1980; the American Institute of Architect's Whitney M. Young, Jr., Citation; and an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from Dillard University in 1986. A posthumous exhibit concerning Wilson's professional activities was held at Columbia University in 1990. Wilson died on October 31, 1989.