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Hewlett-Packard Company, Stanford Research Park, Sandhill Road — and Birge Clark.
Palo Alto is known as the birthplace of innovation and prides itself on being at the forefront of technology, yet much of its history, heritage and style are closely associated with early Palo Alto architect Birge Clark, whose name has become synonymous with excellence in architectural design. Clark, fondly referred to as “Palo Alto’s best-loved architect,” left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape through his distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival style that harmoniously blended tradition and innovation.
Even now, more than a century after he opened his first architectural practice in Palo Alto and on the eve of what would have been his 131st birthday, Clark’s homes and commercial buildings remain a relevant part of today’s community. A cottage he built in Old Palo Alto for Levi Strauss heir Lucie Stern, which made Palo Alto history in 2015 for selling for the highest price recorded at the time, made headlines again in March when it sold for $30.7 million; and the city currently is working to establish a history museum in the historic two-story Spanish-Colonial Roth Building at 300 Homer Ave. that Clark designed in 1932 as the original Palo Alto Medical Clinic.
Since April 16 marks Clark’s birthday, now is a good time to pay tribute to Palo Alto’s homegrown architect.
Early beginnings
Clark’s journey into the world of architecture began in San Francisco, where he was born at the Children’s Hospital on April 16, 1893. He was the son of Arthur B. Clark, who served as a professor of art and architecture at Stanford University and as the first mayor of the neighboring town of Mayfield, which would eventually become part of Palo Alto.
Clark’s early education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors. After graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1910, Clark followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing higher education at Stanford. He graduated in 1914 with a degree in art and engineering before further honing his skills by obtaining a degree in architecture from Columbia University in 1917.
Clark returned to Palo Alto in 1919 following a two-year stint as a U.S. Army captain and company commander during World War I. In 1922 he married Lucile Townley, daughter of Stanford mathematician and astronomer Sidney Dean Townley. Together they raised four children, all while Clark continued to make significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Palo Alto.
Clark opens his first office in Palo Alto
Clark opened his first office in 1922. Back then, he was one of only two architects spanning from San Jose to San Francisco; the other was in San Mateo. Reflecting on those days, Clark shared in an interview with the Palo Alto Weekly, “I was just like a country doctor, I did a little bit of everything because there was so much to do.” He recounted how he “used to go down to the building inspector’s office, lay (his) plan down and hack things out in a half-hour.”
Life at Stanford
One of Clark’s notable life chapters was his tenure as a teacher at Stanford University, where he imparted his knowledge and expertise from 1950 until 1972. During this time, he not only influenced aspiring architects but also left an enduring impact on the architectural ethos of the region.
Iconic buildings
Throughout his career, Clark’s architectural style predominantly embraced the Spanish Colonial Revival aesthetic, characterized by stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, arches and intricate wrought-iron details. His designs demonstrated meticulous attention to detail while ensuring functionality. Clark emphasized the importance of meeting clients’ needs. “Any client is entitled to your best effort, and your building should fit their needs. You can design a beautiful building, but if it doesn’t function, you’ve got a problem,” he said, according to an interview with the Palo Alto Weekly.
Among Clark’s iconic buildings are the Palo Alto downtown U.S. Post Office, the Hotel President (Graduate Palo Alto), the historic 500 block of Ramona Street, the Lucie Stern Community Center, the former Palo Alto fire and police station (Avenidas senior center), and the Dunker House at 420 Maple St. His architectural prowess extended to Stanford University, where he contributed significantly to the Lou Henry Hoover House (in collaboration with his father), the John Stauffer laboratories and the Seeley G. Mudd Chemistry Building, among others.
Lasting legacy
Clark’s impact transcends mere structures; his architectural ingenuity and commitment to excellence earned him recognition as a key figure in shaping Palo Alto’s architectural identity. His meticulous designs, characterized by timeless elegance and functionality, continue to inspire and enrich the community.
On April 30, 1989, Clark died at the age of 96, leaving a legacy that includes 98 Palo Alto houses and nearly 400 commercial and civic buildings in Palo Alto. More than 30 of these structures are listed in the city’s inventory of historic buildings and three, including the Dunker House, are on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2023, which marked the 100th anniversary of Clark’s founding of his architectural practice in Palo Alto, the City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Clark’s significant architectural contributions and enduring legacy to the city. His lasting impact stands as a testament to his profound influence on Palo Alto’s architectural landscape and beyond.
Here’s where to spot some of Clark’s buildings in Palo Alto.
This guest column was written by contributing writer Michael Repka, CEO and general counsel for DeLeon Realty, Palo Alto. He formerly practiced real estate and tax law in Palo Alto and served on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Realtors.