John Beyer, an architect known for his preservation work and as the last surviving co-founder of Beyer Blinder Belle, died last Tuesday at his Manhattan home at the age of 92, according to the New York Times. His death was confirmed by a representative from his firm. The cause of death was not provided.
Beyer founded Beyer Blinder Belle in 1968 with Richard Blinder and John Belle after leaving Victor Gruen’s company. The firm became recognized for preserving historic buildings in New York City and converting them for modern use.
Born on February 13, 1933, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Beyer grew up in Teaneck. He attended Denison University, earning an art degree in 1954 before obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Harvard University.
One of Beyer’s most prominent projects was leading the restoration of Grand Central Terminal in 1998. The renovation involved cleaning the building, constructing a grand staircase, and removing a billboard that had blocked natural light. Other major projects included renovations to the Met Breuer building, the main branch of the New York Public Library, the Frick Collection, and rebuilding Henri Bendel’s flagship store into a Fifth Avenue rowhouse. The firm also undertook projects in Washington, D.C.
After September 11th, Beyer Blinder Belle was commissioned to create site plans for the World Trade Center redevelopment. Although their design was ultimately replaced by Studio Daniel Libeskind’s plan, many concepts proposed by Beyer’s team were retained.
In recent years, Beyer Blinder Belle continued its activity in development projects across New York City. After both co-founders passed away—Blinder in 2006 and Belle in 2016—Beyer remained involved with the firm. Recently, following Innovation QNS’ collapse, Beyer Blinder Belle was named architect for a planned mixed-use building at 35-18 Steinway Street by BedRock and L+M.
Beyer’s wife died less than two weeks prior to him. He is survived by two children from his first marriage, three from his second marriage, and nine grandchildren.
