19 Facts About Willis Polk

Willis Jefferson Polk was an American architect, best known for his work in San Francisco, California.

Willis Polk was born on October 3,1867, in Jacksonville, Illinois to architect builder Willis Webb Polk.

Willis Polk Jr began his architectural training with his brother Daniel in his father's office.

In 1889, Polk joined the office of A Page Brown in New York and moved with Brown's firm to San Francisco, subsequently taking over the Ferry Building project following Brown's death.

In 1894, Willis Polk led the Guild of Arts and Crafts, an organization of artists and architects, in an effort to create a Board of Public Works that would approve the design of all municipal projects.

Willis Polk wrote a series of short critiques for The Wave, a San Francisco weekly review, between 1892 and 1899.

At times harsh in his criticisms, Willis Polk often alienated colleagues and former associates with his comments.

Willis Polk struggled to earn commissions, and in 1897 he declared bankruptcy.

Willis Polk was primarily in charge of design and employee management, while Percy focused on the business end.

In 1901, Willis Polk went on a tour of Europe and Chicago.

Willis Polk designed several of his most notable structures while associated with the firm, including the Merchants Exchange Building, the tallest building in San Francisco upon its completion in 1903.

Willis Polk was tasked with convincing city officials to adopt Burnham's 1905 Plan of San Francisco.

Willis Polk was again credited for designing the tallest building in San Francisco when his Hobart Building was completed in 1914.

Willis Polk was a versatile architect, with particular skill in combining classical styles with environmental harmony.

Willis Polk was regarded for his elegant residential work, mainly in mansions and estates, in the Georgian Revival style for wealthy and prominent San Francisco residents.

Willis Polk oversaw the design of the War Memorial Opera House and Veterans Building, part of the planned Civic Center.

In 1917, Willis Polk designed but was not involved in the construction of the single family homes at 831,837,843 and 849 Mason Street in the exclusive area of Nob Hill in San Francisco at the intersection with California Street opposite the Mark Hopkins Hotel building.

Willis Polk died at home in San Mateo, California on September 10,1924, at the age of 56.

Willis Polk is buried in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara, California.