Robert Hugman
Encyclopedia
Robert Harvey Harold Hugman (February 8, 1902 - July 1980) was an American architect
and the acknowledged visionary behind the San Antonio River Walk
.
Hugman was born in San Antonio and graduated from the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Texas at Austin
in 1924. He worked in New Orleans from 1924 to 1927. In 1929 Hugman introduced a proposal called, "The Shops of Aragon and Romula,” a beautification and flood-control plan for the city, and kept the proposal alive for seven years until its eventual adoption through 1938 when funding became available from the Works Progress Administration
. According to Vernon Zunker, Hugman designed 31 unique staircases for the River Walk and many other features. Hugman established his own architectural office at the River Walk, next to the restaurant Casa Rio established in 1946, despite popular opinion which held that he would be 'drowned like a rat'.
His name adorns the facade of the Clifford Building on the corner of Commerce Street and South Alamo on river level. The Clifford Building was the home of Hugman's office as soon as the riverwalk project was completed by the Works Progress Administration in 1941.
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
and the acknowledged visionary behind the San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath downtown San Antonio, Texas...
.
Hugman was born in San Antonio and graduated from the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
in 1924. He worked in New Orleans from 1924 to 1927. In 1929 Hugman introduced a proposal called, "The Shops of Aragon and Romula,” a beautification and flood-control plan for the city, and kept the proposal alive for seven years until its eventual adoption through 1938 when funding became available from the Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
. According to Vernon Zunker, Hugman designed 31 unique staircases for the River Walk and many other features. Hugman established his own architectural office at the River Walk, next to the restaurant Casa Rio established in 1946, despite popular opinion which held that he would be 'drowned like a rat'.
His name adorns the facade of the Clifford Building on the corner of Commerce Street and South Alamo on river level. The Clifford Building was the home of Hugman's office as soon as the riverwalk project was completed by the Works Progress Administration in 1941.