This year's expansion represents a milestone for the program, bringing conservation support to new regions including Chicago and the Pacific Northwest for the first time. The initiative addresses a critical gap in architectural preservation, as according to Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, only two percent of registered architects in the United States identify as Black.
Since its inception, the Conserving Black Modernism program has supported 21 buildings, encompassing a diverse range of public and community facilities that represent local histories and significant cultural events nationwide. The grants are designed to support comprehensive preservation planning, develop the skills of professionals caring for these historic sites, promote community engagement, and increase public awareness of the stories and contributions these buildings make to architectural modernism.
The five newly selected buildings for 2025 showcase the remarkable diversity and innovation of Black architects throughout the 20th century:
The Founders Church of Religious Science in Los Angeles, California, designed by Paul R. Williams and completed in 1960, stands as a testament to the groundbreaking work of the first Black member of the American Institute of Architects. This nearly 20,000-square-foot reinforced concrete structure features a grand steel-framed dome and decorative concrete screen elements. Notably advanced for its time, the building included a closed-circuit television system to expand the reach of religious services. The church's distinctive design and geometry were directly inspired by the teachings of the congregation's founder, Dr. Ernest Holmes, emphasizing principles of wholeness, unity, and positivity. The building received recognition as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2002 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. Getty Foundation funding will support the development of a comprehensive accessibility plan for the religious landmark and its community engagement spaces.
In Atlanta, Georgia, the ITC Administration Building represents the architectural vision of Edward C. Miller, Georgia's first licensed Black architect. Completed in 1961, this structure serves the Interdenominational Theological Center, a graduate school of theology comprising five predominantly Black Christian seminaries. The building is distinguished by its modern brick façade and holds the distinction of being the oldest structure currently standing on the campus. The Getty Foundation grant will fund a detailed historic structures report, comprehensive building assessments, and a reuse study, while also supporting expanded historical documentation of Miller's distinguished career and contributions to Georgia's architectural landscape.
Chicago's First Church of Deliverance showcases the innovative adaptive reuse work of Walter T. Bailey, Illinois's first licensed Black architect. In 1939, Bailey transformed a former hat factory into this distinctive place of worship, creating an unconventional modernist design that incorporates vibrant colorful glazed terra cotta tiles and glass block elements. The interior features a thoughtfully designed low ceiling and original acoustical plaster specifically engineered to enhance the church's gospel music performances and radio broadcasts. The Getty Foundation funding will support the development of the church's first comprehensive preservation plan, encompassing not only the main church building but also the Maggie Drummond Community Center and Day Care facility, as well as the Children's Church.
McKenzie Hall at the University of Oregon in Eugene represents the architectural achievements of DeNorval Unthank Jr., who holds the distinction of being the first Black graduate of the university's architecture program. Completed in 1968, this residence hall exemplifies Unthank's design philosophy during his tenure as a faculty member at the university. Unthank's broader portfolio included numerous schools, public buildings, and business facilities throughout the region, including other university residence halls and the notable Lane County Courthouse. The building's exposed brick and concrete structure has been recognized by the Getty Foundation as a significant example of Brutalist architecture. The grant funding will support the development of a comprehensive preservation and interpretation plan to guide the building's future conservation efforts, promote educational programming about Unthank's contributions, and honor his lasting impact on the campus's architectural character.
Vassar College's 2500 New Hackensack building in Poughkeepsie, New York, completed in 1963, represents the architectural vision of Jeh Vincent Johnson, a co-founder of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Johnson's distinguished career included service on President Lyndon B. Johnson's National Commission on Urban Problems and leadership as chair of the National Committee on Housing for the American Institute of Architects. The building's minimalist design, characterized by its elegant use of brick, steel, and glass materials, marked a pivotal moment in Johnson's career and reflected his long-standing role as a professor of architectural design in Vassar's Art Department. The Getty Foundation grant will support the development of a comprehensive facilities management and preservation plan while promoting deeper engagement with Johnson's significant architectural legacy throughout the campus.
The Conserving Black Modernism initiative represents more than just building preservation; it serves as a crucial effort to inspire current and future generations of creative professionals by celebrating and maintaining the historic contributions of Black designers. The program addresses decades of historical oversight regarding significant architectural landmarks and their designers' contributions to American architecture.
Each grant provides comprehensive support that extends beyond basic preservation work. The funding enables the development of detailed preservation plans, professional training for those responsible for maintaining these historic sites, community engagement initiatives that connect local populations with their architectural heritage, and public education programs that increase awareness of these buildings' significance within the broader narrative of American modernist architecture.
The selection of these five buildings for the 2025 funding cycle demonstrates the program's commitment to representing the full geographic and typological diversity of Black architects' contributions to American architecture. From religious institutions to educational facilities, from adaptive reuse projects to purpose-built structures, these buildings collectively tell the story of innovation, creativity, and perseverance within the architectural profession.
The Getty Foundation's continued investment in this program reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preserving diverse architectural narratives and ensuring that the contributions of historically underrepresented architects are properly documented, maintained, and celebrated for future generations. Through the Conserving Black Modernism initiative, these significant architectural works will continue to serve their communities while standing as lasting monuments to the creativity and vision of their designers.
