The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Celebrates the Classicist No. 13 with Classical American Homes Preservation Trust

On Wednesday evening, November 16, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) co-hosted a cocktail party with Classical American Homes Preservation Trust (CAHPT) at the George F. Baker Houses in New York City. The event celebrated the launch of the 13th volume of the Classicist, the ICAA’s annual academic journal. This year, for the first time ever, the publication has a regional focus: the architecture and design of the American South. In honor of the Classicist No. 13, the theme of the party was Looking South: The Influence of American Southern Classical Architecture.  

More than 80 people were in attendance including ICAA President Peter Lyden and CAHPT Co-Presidents Margize Howell and Peter Kenny. ICAA Board Members Alexa Hampton, Bunny Williams, Gary Brewer, Mark Ferguson (Board Chairman), Suzanne R. Santry, and Kirk Henckels attended. Also present were leading practitioners and supporters of architecture, art and design, including Michael Franck, John Rosselli, Ralph and Clifford Harvard, Anthony Grant, and Karen Pascoe.

The George F. Baker Houses is a complex of historic homes on the corner of Park Avenue and East 93rd Street. Built in the 1920s, the complex is situated at the highest point in Manhattan and today includes the private residence of Richard H. Jenrette and the headquarters for CAHPT.

The party was the perfect occasion for the ICAA to engage practitioners, supporters, and enthusiasts of Southern classical design, whose influence can be felt across the country. Margize Howell -- who along with CAHPT Co-President Peter Kenny authored an essay in the Classicist entitled “Architecture on a North-South Axis" -- said: "The ICAA and CAHPT share a deep commitment to classical architecture and the related arts. We're so proud to be doing joint programming and working on educational endeavors with the ICAA as we bring our love for classicism into the 21st Century."

According to ICAA President, Peter Lyden, "The ICAA is very proud of its affiliation with CAHPT and working together as we bring education in classical architecture, design, and the related fields across the country. The historical significance of the George F. Baker Houses, alongside other Classical American Preservation Trust homes, made it the perfect setting to celebrate the Classicist No. 13."

Images: Sean Zanni / Patrick McMullan