MCCREE, ALLEN (1937 ~ 2007). The following is an obituary for Allen McCree, former Architect of the Capitol. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home and it was published in the Austin American Statesman.
"Allen, age 70, was born in Vernon, Texas to Marvin and Lucile Allen McCree. His parents moved to Midland where Allen graduated from Midland High School. He recently enjoyed his fiftieth high school reunion.
He suffered from C.O.P.D., a lung disease which can be caused by smoking.
His top priority was his family: Lynn, his wife of 46 years; daughter Meredith McCree and her husband Ian Barland; and Allen?s sister, Elise McCasland and her family. He was a loving father who always made time to attend Meredith's concerts. He was a mentor to many and proudly watched his daughter become a licensed architect.
He graduated from Texas A&M with a B.A. in journalism. He later studied architecture at Kansas State University and U.T. at Austin. He had over 30 years experience with Austin architectural firms, with the U.T. system and with State Capitol projects. He started his own firm, McCree Architects in 1996.
His tenure as Architect of the Capitol saw completion of a Master Plan, over 170 million in project appropriations, and five construction and restoration packages which were all completed according to his schedule. He received wide acclaim for his restoration efforts on the Capitol and the General Land Office.
Allen believed in giving back to his community:
He remodeled the organ and sanctuary at his place of worship, Westminster Presbyterian Church. His designs for the church sign and logos for stationery, bulletins, et cetera have been in use for over 20 years.
He served as vice president of the community planning group known as Austin Tomorrow.
Named a Richard Upjohn Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, (fewer than 1% of U. S. architects) he represented the Southwest United States on the National AIA Board of Directors, which granted him a lifetime membership on the Committee of Historical Resources.
He also served on the Board of the Texas Society of Architects. He was president of the local chapter of the AIA.
In the early 1980's, Allen designed pro bono a temporary home for the Ronald McDonald House of Austin. He also designed with others a home for a member of Westminster who has to live in an allergen-free environment.
In 1976, Allen co-edited a book cataloging buildings of Austin for the local AIA bicentennial guidebook, Austin and its Architecture. This led to a charge from Lloyd Doggett to photo-document the Texas State Capitol for a prelegislative conference. Several thousand photos later, Allen was inspired to dedicate his life to the promotion and restoration of this fine historic structure. For the next twenty years, he made countless presentations of his photographs throughout the State and continued his research and interest, which culminated in his tenure as Architect of the Capitol.
Allen was president of the West Austin Neighborhood Group. For his intense involvement in community and responsive government he was presented the Roberta Crenshaw Award .
He has served with We Care Austin, Downtown Austin Partners, and the Downtown Austin Alliance Streets Committee. He was also instrumental in designing and achieving the Congress Avenue Beautification project. He considered Congress Avenue to be the front door of Texas.
Always underlying his dedication to service was his love of beauty and his respect for truth. He is already missed.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, May 15th at 2:00 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in Allen's name to the Westminster Presbyterian Church building fund, 3208 Exposition, Austin, 78703 or to the charity of your choice."
Further information available through the Texas State Cemetery research department. |
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