Theodore R. Griest

Topeka High School, designed by Griest for T. W. Williamson & Company and completed in 1931. Theodore R. Griest (August 14, 1898 – April 19, 1974) was an American architect in practice in Topeka, Kansas from 1933 until his retirement in 1956. Griest's architectural work included Topeka's high school (1931), city hall (1940) and public library (1954). In his retirement he was involved in the City of Topeka's planning and urban renewal efforts.

Life and career Theodore Reed "Ted" Griest was born August 14, 1898, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado to John E. Griest and Annie Griest, née Campbell. He was educated at Kansas State College, graduating in 1923 with a BS in architecture. In between terms he worked for Topeka architect Thomas W. Williamson. After his graduation he briefly worked for Lowe & Bollenbacher in Chicago before returning to Williamson. In 1929–30 he spent a year in graduate study at Harvard University. He then returned to Williamson as chief designer. For Williamson, Griest designed the Topeka High School, completed in 1931.

In 1933 Griest left Williamson to open an independent office. In 1937 he formed the partnership of Griest & Coolidge with Raymond A. Coolidge, this was dissolved in 1942. In 1946 he formed a new partnership, Griest & Ekdahl, with Oscar S. Ekdahl. After retiring from his firm, Griest turned to consulting work, in which he would remain until his death.

In 1957 Griest joined the Topeka planning commission, a year after the city began a major urban renewal project, which would eliminate a largely Black neighborhood known as "the Bottoms" and substantially depopulate the city center. He left the commission in 1959 and in 1962 was directly employed by the city as a consultant. He was involved in the urban renewal project until 1970.

In 1949, when architects in Kansas were first required to be licensed, Griest was appointed to the board charged with setting licensing rules. He served on the board until 1959. He joined the American Institute of Architects in 1935 as a member of the Kansas chapter.

Personal life Griest was married in 1931 to Frances H. Crarey. 1932 – First National Bank Building, 535 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Griest & Coolidge, 1937–1942 1939 – Willard Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 1940 – Topeka City Hall and Topeka Performing Arts Center, 215 SE 7th St and 214 SE 8th Ave, Topeka, Kansas

Griest & Ekdahl, 1946–1956 1948 – First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins Ave, Topeka, Kansas 1953 – Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas