Kenneth W. Roehrig
Kenneth William Roehrig | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 2, 1907 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | September 11, 1969 (aged 61) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Education | University of California, Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Architect |
Kenneth William Roehrig (November 2, 1907 – September 11, 1969) was an American architect known for his contributions to the architectural landscape of Hawaii.
Early life and education
Kenneth William Roehrig was born on November 2, 1907, in Oakland, California.[1] He attended the University of California, Berkeley in 1927, before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in architecture in 1937.[2]
Career
After completing his education, Roehrig moved to Hawaii, where he joined the architectural practice of Charles William Dickey in 1937, a prominent figure in Hawaiian architecture known for developing the distinctive "Dickey roof" style.[2] This early experience with Dickey influenced Roehrig's architectural style and career trajectory.[3] It also influenced his architectural approach, emphasizing the integration of buildings with their natural surroundings and the use of local materials.
In 1945, Roehrig became the president of the Hawaii chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).[4] During his career, Roehrig was involved in designing several buildings that contributed to Hawaii's mid-century architectural heritage. In 1969, Roehrig was named an AIA Fellow.[2]
Roehrig was partner at the firm Merrill, Roehrig, Onodera & Kinder, who were responsible for Seaboard Finance Building (1956),[5] and the Liberty Bank (1963) projects.[6][7][3]
Roehrig's contributions to architecture in Hawaii are recognized through his leadership within the AIA and his influence on mid-20th-century Hawaiian architecture.[4][8]
Notable works
Roehrig was involved in various projects throughout his career, contributing to Hawaii's mid-century modern architecture:
- Marks Building (1957) 1159 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii: this multi-level parking structure addressed downtown's parking shortage and featured cast stone vertical fins and natural lava rock[9]
- Honolulu Iron Works (1960); designed by Merrill, Roehrig, Onodera & Kinder[10]
- Bishop Museum Planetarium and Observatory (1961): part of a major expansion at the museum[2]
- Liberty Bank Building (1963) 929 Queen Street, Honolulu, Hawaii: this early International Style office building features subtle Asian decorations; designed by Roehrig, Onodera & Kinder[2][6][9]
- Davies Memorial Chapel at Hawaii Preparatory Academy (1966), Kamuela, Hawaii: this chapel incorporates native materials and a harmonious design.[8]
Personal life
Roehrig died on September 11, 1969, at the age of 61, at Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.[1] He was cremated,[1] and interred at Homelani Memorial Park in Hilo, Hawaii.
His son Stanley Roehrig was a lawyer, and politician in Hilo, Hawaii.[11]
References
- ^ a b c "Obituary for Kenneth William Roehrig". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. September 13, 1969. p. 32 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Local Architect Named To Fellowship in AIA". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. May 25, 1969. p. 79. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Kenneth Roehrig - HABS Data." Historic American Buildings Survey. National Park Service. Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "Past Presidents - AIA Honolulu." AIA Honolulu. Accessed July 7, 2024
- ^ Brown, DeSoto. "Seaboard Finance Building in 1957 Kapiolani Blvd Honolulu". www.docomomo-hi.org. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ a b MacIntyre, Ken. "Modernist Banks". ModTraveler.net. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
- ^ Hibbard, Don. "HIMOD Context Study Typologies." Historic Hawaii Foundation. Accessed July 7, 2024. [1]
- ^ a b "Oahu, Hawaii." Architect Magazine. Accessed July 7, 2024
- ^ a b "The Arts District" - ModTraveler.net. Accessed July 7, 2024.
- ^ "Iron Works Opens Big New Building". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. April 4, 1960. p. 20. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Stanley Roehrig "Suited To Law"". Hawaii Tribune-Herald. November 3, 1974. p. 16. Retrieved February 21, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.