Last Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of sharing a few stories about one of Spokane’s mid-century modern architectural masters, Kenneth W. Brooks. The event was sponsored by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and was held in the auditorium at Ken’s signature project, the headquarters of Avista Utilities (completed in 1958 as the Washington Water Power Central Service Facility).

Ken kept diaries, sketchbooks, and notes throughout his career, many of which are available for viewing at the Washington State University archives. Among my favorite discoveries is a handwritten note from a graphic design conference he attended at WSU on March 20, 1965: “The graphic designer and the architect are born buddies.”

Even more significant to me is that, in 1947, Ken worked for the prestigious SOM in New York City, during which time he lived in a Midtown Manhattan townhouse. No big deal—except that, for the last 51 years, this same building has housed the design studio of none other than Milton Glaser.

photo by J. Craig Sweat Photography