Gordon H. Heck

Gordon H. Heck (1924–1994) was a noted American architect, educator, and preservationist, whose contributions significantly shaped and protected the architectural landscape of Tucson, Arizona. A Minnesota native, Heck earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology before embarking on a distinguished academic career. As the founding member of the University of Arizona's School of Architecture, he influenced generations of architects and became a leading voice in the preservation of Tucson's historic structures. His dedication to both education and preservation, coupled with his artistic endeavors, left an enduring impact on Arizona's architectural history.

Gordon H. Heck
Born	Gordon H. Heck 1924 (1924) St. Paul, Minnesota
Died	January 16, 1994(1994-01-16) (aged 69–70) Tucson, Arizona
Nationality	American
Occupation	Architect
Known for	Painting Architecture Education Preservation

Early life and education

Gordon H. Heck was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1924. He pursued his passion for architecture, attending the St. Paul School of Art before receiving his undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1948. He then furthered his education, earning a master's degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1951.

Academic career

After completing his studies, Heck taught at the University of Minnesota before moving to Utah, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Utah's architectural program in 1951. In 1953 he was awarded a Fulbright Program research grant, allowing him to study at the Helsinki University of Technology, Finland.

By 1956, Heck had relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he moved into El Cuartel Viejo, a historic building reconstructed by Charles Bolsius in the Old Fort Lowell neighborhood. Heck became part of Tucson art community and began showing his work. In October 1958, his watercolor "Pueblo" was featured on the cover of the Tucson Citizen magazine "On the Town". His artistic work earned him numerous awards, and his pieces were exhibited in both Utah and Tucson.

By 1958, Heck joined the University of Arizona, helping to found the newly established architecture school under the leadership of S. C. Little, dean of the College of Fine Arts. Heck was the first faculty member of the architectural program, where he taught architecture history, design, and other courses until his retirement in 1988.

Architectural contributions and preservation efforts

Heck's influence extended beyond the classroom. He wrote for publications such as Arizona Architect and American Institute of Architecture. He also became a prominent figure in the architectural preservation community of Tucson, advocating for the protection of historic structures. In 1959, he designed his own adobe home in Casa Adobes, a personal reflection of his architectural philosophy and creativity.

Heck was a vocal advocate for the preservation of Tucson's architectural heritage. In 1966, alongside architects Richard Morse, David Mackie, and Robert Maassen, he campaigned for the preservation of the Sabino Otero Home in downtown Tucson. The following year, Heck served on the Historic Area Committee, which identified 40 buildings in Tucson that were deemed essential to preserve as part of the city's urban renewal and redevelopment efforts.

In 1969, Heck collaborated with notable figures including David Mackie, Dr. Emil Haury, Sidney Brinkerhoff, and Richard Morse to complete a five-volume historical survey titled Historic Architecture in Tucson, intended to aid in the restoration of territorial adobe structures. That same year, he was elected to the Arizona Historical Society Arizona Pioneer's Historical Society.

His collaboration with architect Robert Giebner further enhanced his influence in Tucson's architectural landscape.

Publications and recognition

In 1971, Heck prepared the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Old Main, University of Arizona, a significant early achievement in historic preservation. In 1972, he was honored with the Tucson Trade Bureau Faculty Recognition Award for his contributions to the University of Arizona's College of Architecture. Throughout his career, Heck continued to be involved in historic preservation projects, including saving the Cordova House, one of Tucson's oldest structures, and restoring the Steinfeld Mansion in 1978.

Advocacy and legacy

Heck became the leading scholar on Tucson's architectural history, coining the term “Enriched Territorial” to describe the style synthesized by Tucson architect Josias Joesler, which combined old and new elements. He praised Joesler's soft Southwestern idiom that appealed to new Tucson residents in the 1920s and beyond. By the late 1960s Heck moved a Joesler designed home at 2807 E Via Alcalde in the Catalian Foothills Estate.

Heck served on various committees, including the team that formalized August 20, 1775, as the official founding date of Tucson, marking Col. Hugo Oconór's selection of the site for the relocation of the Presidio San Ignacio de Tubac. His work extended into public service, serving as the State Preservation Coordinator for the Arizona American Institute of Architects and as a member of the Arizona Historical Advisory Committee.

In 1981, Heck received the prestigious Arizona Architects Medal from the Arizona Society of Architects American Institute of Architects (AIA), acknowledging his significant impact on the field of architecture in Arizona. His scholarly contributions also included the 1966 publication, Architects Restructure Problems, in the Journal of Architectural Education.

Personal life and death

Gordon Heck was married to Marilyn I. Heck. He passed away in Tucson in 1994, leaving behind a rich legacy in architecture, preservation, and education that continues to influence Tucson's architectural landscape.