Edward Nelson, a Personal Perspective

This program is ongoing.


Tucson Modernism Week

Edward Nelson’s architectural work helped shape 20th century Tucson. His major projects won awards and received national attention. He was born in 1918 in Winchester, Massachusetts.  He received a Bachelor of Architecture and the Henry Adams Prize from Yale University. Nelson moved to Tucson in 1948 working as a designer and draftsman for Gordon Luepke, AIA.

In May of 1952 Nelson was elected vice-president of the Tucson Fine Arts Association. In October of that year he work with architect Russell Wise, Robert Hartman and Mrs. J.B. Enney to redesign the Tucson Fine Arts Association exhibit space in the lower level of the Chamber of Commerce building and was noted for his redesigned the 261 Gallery in downtown Tucson.  In December of 1952 Nelson submitted his design with Guy Greene for a proposed Tucson Community Center to the Tucson Fine Arts Association Architectural Exhibit. 

Nelson, with his wife Lois and three children, purchased property in the Tanque Verde area where he designed an important modern home.  During this period Nelson served as president of the Tanque Verde Valley Association, the co-chairman of the civic center planning group and was a member of the Yale and Old Pueblo Club.

Nelson received numerous awards including a Rocky Mountain Region Merit Awards from the American Institute of Architects.  Nelson was named a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects.  Nelson died in 2018. 

This personal perspective was filmed as part of a past Tucson Modernism Week and is made available for free as part of TMW 2020.

Edward Nelson, a Personal Perspective

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