Wendell Jerome Campbell

Wendell Campbell (April 27, 1927 – July 9, 2008) was an African American architect who studied under Mies Van Der Rohe and Ludwig Hilberseimer Campbell is noted for his contributions to several building projects throughout Chicago and Gary, Indiana as well as his redevelopment plans for major US cities. In 1976 he was awarded the prestigious Whitney Young Medal of Honor by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and designated as a fellow of the AIA in 1979. Growing up as the son of a carpenter, who was the first black general contractor in Chicago, Campbell often assisted his father with projects helping to gain carpentry skills from early in his life. After graduation he was drafted to serve in Japan during World War II, where he was a part of a combat engineer regiment that designed bridges and roads. It then to Campbell Tiu Campbell in 1976 to recognize the contributions of his daughter Susan and professional partner Domingo Tiu.

In 1981 Campbell was commissioned to design and build the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. According to the Crusader Newspaper Group the convention center was used as a symbol to represent Black achievement in a new era of Gary's history. The center was in operation for 35 years and housed the Gary Steelheads basketball team and the Continental Basketball Association.

Campbell contributed to the initial remodeling of the DuSable Museum of African American History. He later returned and designed the Harold Washington Wing, which opened to the public in 1993.

In 1997 Campbell designed the Trinity United Church of Christ, which serves one the largest Black congregations of Chicago with more than 8,500 members.

Beginning in 1999, Campbell Tiu Campbell were contracted to work on the interior and exterior remodeling of the Chicago Military Academy in Bronzeville.

Campbell also designed a few residential homes, one of these homes, constructed in 1962 is located within the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. His other residential projects include two high-rise buildings with then partner John Macsai: 1240 N. Lake Shore Drive and The WaterFord Condominiums (4170 N. Marine Drive) constructed in 1973.

According to his webpage on the NOMA website, Campbell is also credited with restoration of the Michigan Avenue Draw Bridge and the Metcalf Federal Building and redevelopment plans for major cities like New Orleans, Las Vegas, Chicago and Milwaukee.

In 1954 Campbell married June Crusor Campbell with whom he had two daughters Susan Campbell-Smith and Leslie Campbell, the former being a partner in his firm Campbell Tiu Campbell.