H. Ray Burks

Harvey Ray Burks (July 26, 1889 – March 17, 1948) was an American architect in practice in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1922 until his death in 1948. Burks developed a substantial, statewide practice and was responsible for the design of county courthouses, municipal and institutional buildings and the original Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

Life and career Harvey Ray Burks was born July 26, 1889, in Monticello. He was educated in the Monticello public schools and at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1915 he joined the office of Monticello architect W. A. Halley before moving to Little Rock in 1917, where he worked for architect James A. Bliss. With the exception of service during World War I, Burks remained with Bliss until he opened his own office in 1922. Burks developed a statewide practice, designing the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock as well as courthouses, schools and other large projects. In 1945 he formed the partnership of Burks & Anderson with Bruce R. Anderson. At the time of his death the firm was beginning design work for the restoration of the Old State House.

Personal life Burks was married and had one son. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), local fraternal and social organizations and the First Presbyterian Church. He died March 17, 1948 in Little Rock at the age of 58.

Burks' practice was continued by his partner, Anderson, under his own name. His work included major projects for the University of Central Arkansas, Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University. He died in 1985.

At least seven buildings designed by Burks have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and others contribute to listed historic districts.

Architectural works H. Ray Burks, 1922–1945 1925 – Arkansas Baptist Hospital, 12th and Marshall Sts, Little Rock, Arkansas 1927 – Ederington House, 326 S Main St, Warren, Arkansas 1927 – Joe Storthz house, 450 N Midland St, Little Rock, Arkansas 1928 – Lonoke County Courthouse, 301 N Center St, Lonoke, Arkansas 1931 – Pope County Courthouse, 100 W Main St, Russellville, Arkansas 1931 – Warren Municipal Building, 104 Myrtle St, Warren, Arkansas 1932 – Arkansas County Courthouse-Southern District, 101 Court St, DeWitt, Arkansas 1932 – Drew County Courthouse, 210 S Main St, Monticello, Arkansas 1934 – Monticello City Hall, 203 W Gaines St, Monticello, Arkansas 1942 – Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Antiquities (former), 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, Arkansas

Burks & Anderson, 1945–1948 1947 – Stebbins and Roberts Office Building and Factory, 1300 E 6th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 1948 – War Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Little Rock, Arkansas