As a Mid Century Modern aficionado, you probably are familiar with the Sarasota School of Architecture, which sprang up in Sarasota, Florida. This is the school that gave us the iconic Sarasota Modern style in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Among the architects who played a key role in the Sarasota School was William J. Rupp.
William Rupp’s Life and Career
William Rupp is not all that well-known, but he should be. Born in 1927 in Philadelphia, he served in the Army before studying architecture at the University of Florida. In 1953, he graduated with honors. While at university, he had a chance to go on a tour at Sarasota, where he stated he found “The Answer” in the works of architects Paul Rudolph and Ralph Twitchell.
After earning his degree, Rupp went to work with Rudolph in Sarasota. The two collaborated to design the Davis Residence in 1953 and a Tastee Freez in 1954. Rudolph left the area in 1955, but Rupp remained to open his own practice.
Rupp was active throughout the 50s and 60s, working with architects such as Gene Leedy, Joe Farrell, Jack West, Victor Lundy, Tim Seibert and Bert Brosmith. Life Magazine honored him in an article with the title “The Takeover Generation – The 100 Most Outstanding Young Men and Women in the United States” in 1962. He relocated to Naples, Florida, in 1965, where he continued to design Mid Century Modern buildings, building on the architectural foundations of his work in Sarasota.
Famous Works by William Rupp
One of Rupp’s most famous buildings is the McCulloch Pavilion, located at 261 South Orange Avenue in Sarasota. Originally, its name was the Scott Commercial Building, commissioned in 1959. Rupp partnered with Joe Farrell, with whom he shared a practice, to design the structure. Its original purpose was to showcase furniture.
A restoration project in 2016 by architect Guy Peterson and builder Michael Walker led to the building being put to new use as the Center for Architecture Sarasota. That same year, it entered the National Register of Historic Places.
William Rupp’s daughter Susan Rupp said, “I think architects dream of leaving enduring structures that reflect their ideals. So to have one of his buildings revitalized and transformed into a center of learning is a perfect legacy for my dad: he would have been so pleased.” You can view additional photos of the restored building at the link and learn more about the restoration project.
While Rupp was working with Joe Farrell at their firm Associated Architects, the pair also designed the beautiful Kirsch House in Saratoga. The home measures 2,691 square feet. Thanks to a faithful restoration by Seibert Architects, the historical home with its open floor plan remains in excellent condition today. You can view photos in this Curbed post written when the home went up for sale in 2017.
Above, you see the Howard Uhr and Shirley Clement Residence and Studio. This building’s eye-catching shape and design almost put one in mind of a chapel. Alas, the building was destroyed. There is now a new home on top of its foundation, which is why there are no modern photos. If you want a better idea what it would have looked like, take a look at these visualizations by 3D designer and graphics artist Enrique Gomez.
If you liked this post, also check out The Boston Government Service Center and the Psychology of Space, a post about one of Paul Rudolph’s most unusual buildings. Plan to visit Sarasota at some point? Check out Think Mod, Stay at the Sarasota Modern. And of course don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!
