Guy O. Koepp

Guy Oran Koepp (May 19, 1896 – August 3, 1959) was a renowned architect known for his distinctive designs in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He played a significant role in shaping the city's character and architecture. Some of his notable works in downtown Carmel include the Coach Building (Goold Building), La Rambla Building, and the old Carmel Dairy (Reardon Building). His unique style and creative vision transformed the architectural landscape of the city.[1]

Guy O. Koepp
Guy O. Koepp
Born
Guy Oran Koepp

May 19, 1896
Eugene, Oregon, US
Died3 August 1959(1959-08-03) (aged 63)
Los Angeles, California, US
OccupationArchitect
Spouse
Zahrah Lee
​
​
(m. 1924; died 1960)​
Children7

Early life

Koepp, was born on May 19, 1896, in Eugene, Oregon. His parents, Albert F. Koepp (1867-1948) and Laura Ellen Baker (1869-1945), provided him with a supportive environment to nurture his creative talents. Koepp's journey as an architect began after graduating from the University of Oregon, where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for design.[2]

During World War I, Koepp served in the Aviation Corps at Long Island, New York. This experience not only shaped his character but also provided him with invaluable insights that would later influence his architectural work.[3]

On December 31, 1924, New Year's Eve, Koepp married Zahrah Lee at the home of the bride's parents in Hollywood, California.[4] Their union was blessed with five children, and together they created a loving and supportive family environment.[5]

Career
The Reardon Building at the NW Corner Ocean Avenue & Mission Street.

In 1922, Koepp arrived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California and left an indelible mark on the community through his architectural creations. During the 1920s and 1930s, Carmel-by-the-Sea was fortunate to have a group of talented local builders who played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of the city. Among the prominent figures during that time were Lee Gottfried, Ernest Bixler, Percy Parkes, Frederick Bigland, Guy Koepp, George Whitcomb, and Miles Bain. These builders contributed their unique skills and expertise to create structures that became iconic landmarks in Carmel.[6]

Some of his notable works include the Carmel Dairy or Reardon Building (1932),[7][8] American Legion Post No. 512 (1928),[9] La Rambla Building (1929),[7] Ethel England House,[6] E.H. Cox House (1930),[6][7] and the Goold Building (1935).[10] Each structure reflected Koepp's attention to detail, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The Carmel style is all its own. You might call it almost English; the steep roof indicates that; but there are so many things about it which are not English, I think you can only call it Carmel.

— Clarence A. Caulkins[1]

Koepp's Spanish Mission-style designs were characterized by their distinct architectural elements, showcasing a harmonious blend of local influences and modernist principles. His buildings often featured rustic stone facades, expansive windows, and carefully integrated landscaping, which further enhanced their aesthetic appeal. Koepp's ability to seamlessly blend structures with their natural surroundings made his designs a seamless part of the picturesque coastal landscape.[1]

He practiced for 20 years in Carmel before coming to Los Angeles, California in 1942.[2] In 1951, sketches of Spanish Eclectic and Modern-style homes were featured in the The Lompoc Record, empowering the builder to make decisions based on community preferences.[11][12]

Death

At the age of 63, on August 3, 1959, Koepp experienced a heart attack while overseeing the reconstruction for the Baltimore Hotel in Los Angeles.[13] His death marked the end of an era for the architectural community, as they mourned the loss of a true visionary. Private funeral services were held at the Pierce Brothers Chapel. Hollywood Mortuary, where family, friends, and colleagues paid their respects to this architectural legend.[2][14]

Projects

See also

References
  1. "People Talked About". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1930-03-28. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  2. "Guy O. Koepp". Los Angeles Evening Citizen News. Hollywood, California. 5 Aug 1959. p. 18. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
  3. "Eugene Boy Writes Home From U.S. Army Camps, Guy Koepp Praises Work of the Y.M.C.A". Morning Register. Eugene, Oregon. 15 Nov 1917. p. 8. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  4. "Wedding Announced". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. January 9, 1925. p. 22. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  5. "Historical Information for Guy Oran Koepp". FamilySearch. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
  6. Dramov, Alissandra; Momboisse, Lynn A. (2016). Historic Homes and Inns of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. p. 29. ISBN 9781439656747. Retrieved 2022-03-30.
  7. Seavey, Kent (2007). Carmel, A History in Architecture. Arcadia Pub. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. p. 114. ISBN 9780738547053. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
  8. Dramov, Alissandra (2022). Past & Present Carmel-By-The-Sea. Arcadia Publishing. Charleston, South Carolina. p. 16. ISBN 9781467108980. Retrieved 2023-03-08.
  9. Kent L. Seavey (January 28, 2002). "Department Of Parks And Recreation" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  10. Richard N Janick (February 3, 2003). "Department Of Parks And Recreation" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  11. "Guy O. Koepp-Architect". The Lompoc Record. Lompoc, California. December 27, 1951. p. 14. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  12. "Guy O. Koepp, Architect". The Lompoc Record. Lompoc, California. October 18, 1951. p. 16. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  13. "Flora-Lee Wray's Father Dies Suddenly". Sun Post News. San Clemente, California. August 6, 1959. p. 5. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  14. "Guy Koepp". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1959-08-06. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  15. Hale, Sharron Lee (1980). A Tribute to Yesterday: The History of Carmel, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, Point Lobos, Carmelite Monastery, and Los Burros. Valley Publishers. Santa Cruz, California. p. 14. ISBN 9780913548738. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  16. "Village News Reel". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1927-02-18. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  17. Dana Bambace And Mark Peterson (August 21, 2020). "A Gem Estate In Carmel By Dana Bambace And Mark Peterson". Haute Residence. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  18. "Will Sell The Tableware As Well As The Viands". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1928-05-11. p. 5. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  19. "La Rambla Crmel". Issuu. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. October 29, 2020. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  20. Dana Bambace And Mark Peterson (August 21, 2020). "A Gem Estate In Carmel By Dana Bambace And Mark Peterson". Haute Residence. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
  21. "Carmel Inventory Of Historic Resources Database" (PDF). The City of Carmel. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Retrieved April 9, 2023.
  22. "Webb Home". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1930-10-24. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  23. "Local Architect Plans Handsome Residence". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1933-05-26. p. 10. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  24. "Fund Disagreement Still Delays Start on Hospital". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1934-07-13. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  25. "24410 South San Luis Avenue". Compass. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
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