Clyde Harris, R.I.P.

I just learned that architect Clyde Harris died recently at age 99. The Times-Union has a wonderful article including a quote by Richard Skinner in which he calls Harris "the dean of Jacksonville residential architects." His full obituary is also online.

I most associate Harris with the residential style embodied by a Ponte Vedra oceanfront home owned by the uncle of a close childhood friend. I had many good times there. The home was like a modern Florida villa — comfortable but no larger than necessary, the rooms laid out around a central semi-enclosed courtyard with a pool. The roof sloped gently to a high peak which allowed air circulation in the pool room and a high wall of windows overlooking the ocean. It was truly creative and pleasing. (It has since been renovated beyond recognition, sadly.)

My family spoke of a Clyde Harris style, typified by that home and his Roosevelt Blvd office. To me, his work was a bit of a cross between Mid-Century Modern and the International style.

The funny thing is, it has now occurred to me that Clyde Harris was proficient in a multitude of architectural styles. From the traditional — like the garage apartment addition for a childhood neighbor on Ortega Point or Timuquana Country Club — to the modern styles I described above. I suppose his work that I found more striking was the modern style because it was so different from the ordinary.

I think that I will go through current listings and pull out the more modern architectural homes on the market. Look for that this weekend!