Annice Alt research papers on Boak & Paris / Boak & Raad, 1940s-2000s
Collection context
- Creator:
- Alt, Annice M., Boak & Paris (Firm), and Boak & Raad (Firm)
- Extent:
- 2.5 linear feet and 13 drawings
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The collection consists of research papers complied by Annice Alt in preparation for the book Boak & Paris / Boak & Raad: New York Architects (2014), and includes newspaper clippings, notes, contemporary photographs of buildings, real estate advertisements, and building information reports created by Alt. The collection also inclues 10 original ink on linen drawings for the Boak & Raad limited profit housing project, Leland House (Bronx, NY); one perspective rendering by Rowe Langston for the David Rose 1945 commissioned apartment, The Thornley, at 215 E. 79th Street (New York, NY); and reproduction of two drawings for the Boak & Paris apartment house 331-345 West 57th Street (New York, NY).
- Biographical / historical:
-
Annice Alt is a New York-based architectural historian and author of the book Boak & Paris / Boak & Raad: New York Architects (2014).
Russell Boak (1896-1981) began his architectural career in 1912 as a junior draftsman in the office of Emery Roth. He later advanced from senior draftsmand to designer. Hyman Paris (1894-1966) also worked at Emery Roth in the 1920s having previously worked in the office of Gaetan Ajello. Boak and Paris left Emery Roth in 1927 to start their own firm Boak & Paris. They primarily designed apartment buildings, but among their commissions includes the Midtown (now Metro) Theatre. In 1944, Boak formed a new partnership with Thomas O. Raad. The continued to focus primarily on apartment buildings, including commissions with the prominent real estate development firm Rose Associates. When Raad retired from the partnership in 1965, the firm changed to Russell M. Boak & Associates. Boak closed the firm in 1972.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu