Noted American architect and "Skyscraper Pioneer." He was the son of Samuel Augustus Gilbert and Elizabeth Fulton (Wheeler) Gilbert. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, 1878-1879. Gilbert exercised enormous influence on the development of architecture in the United States. He is perhaps best known for his gothic skyscraper, the Woolworth Building, which was the world's tallest building at the time. Combining modern technologies with historic ideas, Gilbert designed numerous public buildings, including the state capitols of Minnesota, West Virginia and Arkansas. He was also the architect of the United States Supreme Court Building. He was consulting architect for the George Washington Bridge which crosses the Hudson River in upper Manhattan, New York City. Cass Gilbert was highly regarded by politicians and other luminaries of the day. President Theodore Roosevelt made him chairman of the Council of Fine Arts, and President Wilson reappointed him. Gilbert received many gold metals in the United States and Europe. The Society of Arts and Sciences awarded him for inaugurating the age of skyscrapers. He served as president of the American Institute of Architects in 1908 and 1909, and helped found the Architectural League of New York, serving as its president for two years. Appreciation for architecture based on historic themes has recently renewed interest in Gilbert's work. Cass Gilbert died in Brockenhurst, England, on May 17, 1934.
Noted American architect and "Skyscraper Pioneer." He was the son of Samuel Augustus Gilbert and Elizabeth Fulton (Wheeler) Gilbert. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, 1878-1879. Gilbert exercised enormous influence on the development of architecture in the United States. He is perhaps best known for his gothic skyscraper, the Woolworth Building, which was the world's tallest building at the time. Combining modern technologies with historic ideas, Gilbert designed numerous public buildings, including the state capitols of Minnesota, West Virginia and Arkansas. He was also the architect of the United States Supreme Court Building. He was consulting architect for the George Washington Bridge which crosses the Hudson River in upper Manhattan, New York City. Cass Gilbert was highly regarded by politicians and other luminaries of the day. President Theodore Roosevelt made him chairman of the Council of Fine Arts, and President Wilson reappointed him. Gilbert received many gold metals in the United States and Europe. The Society of Arts and Sciences awarded him for inaugurating the age of skyscrapers. He served as president of the American Institute of Architects in 1908 and 1909, and helped found the Architectural League of New York, serving as its president for two years. Appreciation for architecture based on historic themes has recently renewed interest in Gilbert's work. Cass Gilbert died in Brockenhurst, England, on May 17, 1934.
Bio by: Steve Corley
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