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William McDowell, housing architect

William W. McDowell Jr., 85, an architect from Chestnut Hill, died Monday, Jan. 19, of complications from dementia at Springfield Residence in Wyndmoor, where he had lived for seven years.

William W. McDowell
William W. McDowellRead more

William W. McDowell Jr., 85, an architect from Chestnut Hill, died Monday, Jan. 19, of complications from dementia at Springfield Residence in Wyndmoor, where he had lived for seven years.

Mr. McDowell was born in Chestnut Hill and attended Chestnut Hill Academy until ninth grade, when the school closed during World War II. He transferred and graduated from St. Andrews School in Middletown, Del. He was a member of the Class of 1951 at Princeton University, where he played rugby.

Mr. McDowell went on to study architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1954 with high honors. While there, he was influenced by Louis I. Kahn, the 20th-century architect who felt that modern buildings should be designed with restraint, but reflect emotional expression and spiritualism.

Mr. McDowell's first job was with the firm of Howell Lewis Shay & Associates, where he designed buildings for Pennsylvania State University's main campus. When Shay died in 1975, Mr. McDowell set up shop in Chestnut Hill and designed many custom residences and additions to buildings throughout Philadelphia.

Mr. McDowell was one of the first to offer clients the "upside-down" house at the Jersey Shore, starting with an oceanfront home he designed in Avalon.

A typical upside-down house has the kitchen and living and dining rooms upstairs, adjacent to the master bedroom and bath. Downstairs are more bedrooms, family space, and utility features.

"His style was modern, simple, and straightforward, and he always put function first," said son Bill. "His homes were easy to furnish and comfortable to live in."

Mr. McDowell served on the Chestnut Hill Land Use Committee and the Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation. He was a long-standing member of the American Institute of Architects and served on the board of the Germantown Settlement Association.

Mr. McDowell was a member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry for 42 years.

His wife, Helen "Toby" Duross, died in 2010, and a son, Ian, died in 2000. In addition to his son Bill, surviving are sons George, Andy, and Luke; a daughter, Nina; and 11 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Martin-in-the Fields, 8000 St. Martins Lane. Burial is private.

Donations may be made to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 500 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia 19118.