The Noted Passing of Gene Leedy

Gene Leedy was known as the father of the Sarasota School of Architecture, and a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. This renowned architect passed this week at the age of 90. Leedy was born in Isaban, West Virginia. His parents subsequently moved the family to Gainesville, Florida, where they opened a small family restaurant. After high school, Leedy entered the University of Florida, where he studied architecture. He married his wife Kathryn Home and settled down in the town of Winter Haven, Florida, where he opened an architectural firm. In 1954, he was commissioned to build his first recognized work, the ‘Sparrow House.’

His design philosophy resulted in a phenomenon of modern architecture, a unique collection created during a period of over fifty years. Leedy produced innovative work with pre-stressed concrete, which led to his creation of double T beams. These techniques have left an enduring legacy and impacted both the past and future of architecture.

The work of Leedy has been recognized with countless awards and accolades. His steadfast conviction to this modern design philosophy resulted in his work being recognized on a global scale. The work of Leedy continues to transform the face of the architectural community and the spaces beyond.

Notable Commercial Work

Cypress Gardens Bank, Winter Haven, Florida, 1965

City Hall, Winter Haven, Florida, 1960

Keiltronix Office Building, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1987

Taxdal Medical Center, Winter Haven, Florida, 1986

Flagship Bank, Orlando, Florida, 1975

Chamber of Commerce, Winter Haven, Florida, 1990

Walden Lake Country Club, Plant City, Florida 1985

Commerce Bank of Central Florida, Winter Haven, Florida 1990

American National Bank, Winter Haven, Florida, 1962

Brentwood Elementary School, Sarasota, Florida, 1958

First National Bank of Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral, FL 1963

Notable Residential Work

House for Contemporary Builders, Sarasota, Florida, 1950

Craney Homes, Inc, Winter Haven, Florida, 1956

Weaving/Thomasson house, Winter Haven, Florida, 1956

Navickas Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1957

Dormon Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1963

Libby Residence, Winter Park, Florida, 1957

Sands Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1965

Sparrow Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1954

Brogden Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1979

Miller Residence, Plant City, Florida, 1985

Carlton Beach House, Boca Grande, Florida, 1985

Lifsey President’s House, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 1994

Smith Beach House, Boca Grande, Florida, 1985

Solomon Residence & Studio, Siesta Key, Florida, 1970

Strang Residence, Winter Haven, Florida, 1970

Strasberg Residence, Longwood, Florida, 1982

From the ADG Jobsite

Custom pendant at Newport Coast property!

by Gerald Olesker, CEO, ADG Lighting