Hyman Myers, noted architect whose projects included City Hall’s renovation, has passed. The former Merion Station resident was 81. Gary Miles constructed a fitting remembrance of his life in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Myers’ architectural passion was the Victorian era. Over his 40-year career, he took part in more than 350 renovations of historic sites across the U.S.

In addition to his City Hall rehab, he guided restorative work at:

• The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
• The Academy of Music
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Independence Hall

In describing the fine line between update and obliterate, Myers said he preferred to err on the side of legacy.

Describing his City Hall work, he said, “In the name of progress, listen to history.”

The philosophy led him to imbue the structure with “…new and grand ideas that will make her once again the focus and symbol of Philadelphia’s dream for the 21st century.”

He decried the casual view of disposable architecture.

“Americans don’t realize that buildings are a natural resource,” he said. “They throw them away like Dixie cups.”

Myers is survived by a son, a sister, a niece, and a wife of 56 years, who said of his overall good nature, “He was a mensch.”

Further details on Hyman Myers are at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_____

Architect-preservationist Hyman Myers discussed the long-standing “Gentleman’s Agreement” in Phila.
that called for the construction of no building higher than the hat of Billy Penn atop City Hall.