L. F. Goodrich


Lewis F. Goodrich, frequently known as L. F. Goodrich, was an American architect based in Augusta, Georgia. He designed public buildings in Georgia and South Carolina.

Life and career

Lewis Ford Goodrich was born July 8, 1848, in Augusta to William Henry Goodrich, a contractor and builder, and Susan Goodrich. As a young man Goodrich worked variously in the grocery and furniture businesses, but was otherwise associated with his father. After his father's death in 1877, he succeeded to the business. He opened an architect's office in Augusta in 1888. Goodrich's works included a number of county courthouses and the Athens City Hall. By 1913 his chief assistant was Cortez Clark. In December 1915 Goodrich formed the firm of Goodrich, Hoefer & Clark with Clark and former New York City architect Herman W. Hoefer. Hoefer returned north soon after the Augusta fire of 1916, which destroyed their offices, and the firm of Goodrich & Clark continued until the retirement of Goodrich in 1920. Clark then practiced in partnership with J. B. Story into the 1930s.

Personal life

Goodrich was married in 1872 to Lena Walker, who died in 1916. In later life, Goodrich lived in White Plains, Georgia. He died July 27, 1929.

Legacy

In 1892 Goodrich was among the organizers of the Southern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was the chapter's first vice president, and its second president. The chapter faltered and was inactive from 1896, but is seen as a major step in the professionalization of architecture in the South.
At least seven buildings designed or renovated by Goodrich have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, and another contributes to a listed historic district.

Architectural works