Penn Celebrates Julian Abele’s Legacy
The University of Pennsylvania recently honored Julian Abele, the first Black graduate of its architecture program, with a dedication ceremony at Eisenlohr Hall. Abele, who graduated in 1902, designed the iconic building in 1909 but was not formally credited for his work until 2021.
At the event, a portrait of Abele and his original sketches of Eisenlohr Hall were unveiled. Interim Penn President Larry Jameson emphasized the importance of recognizing Abele’s contributions. “The University is on a mission to try to capture the history throughout the whole campus,” he said.
A Trailblazer in Architecture
Julian Abele began his studies at Penn in 1898, graduating in 1902 from what is now the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. In 1909, at just 30 years old, he was commissioned to design Eisenlohr Hall, the official residence of Penn’s president.
Despite his groundbreaking work, Abele’s name was not associated with the building for over a century. In 2021, two uncataloged design sheets confirmed his role as the architect. William Whitaker, curator of Penn’s Architectural Archives, praised Abele’s meticulous attention to detail. “Each element, in its own way, is an invention,” he said.
A Legacy of Excellence
Abele’s career extended far beyond Eisenlohr Hall. As chief designer at Horace Trumbauer’s architectural firm, he contributed to iconic Philadelphia landmarks like the Parkway Central Library and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His work blended French Renaissance and Roman styles, creating timeless structures.
David Brownlee, a History of Art professor, noted that Abele’s lack of recognition was partly due to the collaborative nature of architecture. “The biggest reason he is not more well known is that architecture involves lots of people who are unrecognized,” he explained.
Honoring Abele’s Contributions
The dedication ceremony also featured Abele’s great-grandnephew, Peter Cook, an architect who continues his ancestor’s legacy. Cook highlighted the significance of Abele’s work. “He was doing museums, libraries, and educational institutions—building types that uplift people,” he said.
Eisenlohr Hall now includes Abele’s name on its building plate, and QR codes around the building provide audio recordings about its history. Jameson expressed pride in sharing Abele’s story. “It will be a story we tell over and over again,” he said.
Inspiring Future Architects
Frederick Steiner, Dean of the School of Design, emphasized the importance of supporting future generations of architects. “Although we won’t see any new buildings from Julian Abele, we can add to his remarkable legacy,” he said.
Julian Abele’s story is a testament to perseverance and excellence. His recognition at Penn not only honors his contributions but also inspires aspiring architects to dream big and break barriers.
