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Also naming the 4600 Block of Locust Street “Livingston Way” in honor of the legacy of Walter R. Livingston, his dedication to his community and the architectural imprint he has left on Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Walter R. Livingston, Jr., was born and educated in the City of Philadelphia. Mr. Livingston graduated from Central High School in 1939. After graduating, he attended Cheyney University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1943. He then joined the US Army and served two years in World War II as a Technical Sergeant. He received two bronze stars for bravery in the Battle of the Bulge. On being honorably discharged he attended the University of Pennsylvania and received a Bachelor of Architecture in 1949 and a Master of City Planning in 1955; and
WHEREAS, In 1951, he married Marjorie V. Cachie of New York. Together, they had six children, three boys and three girls, and twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, In 1960, Mr. Livingston opened his own office and has continued in the practice of architecture for forty years. During this time, he was responsible for the design of more than three quarters of a billion dollars of construction projects including residential, commercial, institutional and industrial type buildings; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, his peers honored him when he was invested into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects for his outstanding contribution to the field of Architecture, the first and only black Philadelphian to receive this honor. Notable buildings designed by his firms are the Zion Baptist Church, the Triumph Baptist Church, the Edison High School, the Martin Luther King Recreation Center, the West Branch YMCA, the Clef Club, and the Ada B. George Dining Hall at Cheyney University; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional activities, highlights of Mr. Livingston's extensive service to civic and community activities are numerous. He is a Past President of the Philadelphia Urban League, who in 1994 awarded him the Whitney M. Young Heritage Award for his contribution to the community. For his dedication and service to youth, the Boy Scouts of America awarded him with the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope Awards. In recognition of extraordinary contributions in public service he was awarded the Jefferson Award by the Evening and Sunday Bulletin in 1978. In 1980, he was awarded the Leslie Pinckney Hill Centennial Recognition Citation by Cheyney University for his contributions in the field of Architecture and City Planning. He has served on the boards of Stapeley Hall in Germantown, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, Northeast Regional Board and the Executive Committee of the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America, The Presbyterian Foundation for Philadelphia, Berean Institute, Harcum College, and the Philadelphia Housing and Development Corporation. Additionally, Mr. Livingston has served as Chairman of the boards of the Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper and the Center Post Housing Development; and
WHEREAS, He also has served on the boards of the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Youth Study Center of Phi1ade1phia, The Philadelphia Foundation, Southern Home Services, Presbyterian Medical Center and the Berean Federal Savings Bank. Additionally, Mr. Livingston was a 33-Degree Mason, and a member of the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Church, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Union League of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Chapter of Rotary International; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Philadelphia City Council, Hereby also names the 4600 Block of Locust Street “Livingston Way” in honor of the legacy of Walter R. Livingston, his dedication to his community and the architectural imprint he has left on Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented the family of Mr. Livingston as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s gratitude and recognition.
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