By Zachary R. Jones, Archivist
Title: MRV Architects Collection, 1983-2007
ID: MS/003
Primary Creator: MRV Architects
Extent: 3.0 Folders
Date Acquired: 07/09/2008
Subjects: Haida Indians--History., Tlingit Indians--History.
Languages: English
This collection contains three items concerning MRV Architects’ work on restoring Southeast Alaska Native clan houses. The first item in this collection consists of a 1983 transcribed interview with Linn A. Forrest, Sr., who was an early architect that worked for MRV and who restored Native architecture in Southeast Alaska during 1938-1940 in conjunction with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). The interview was conducted by MRV head, Paul Voelckers, and Richard Ritter and concerns Forrest’s work on the Chief Shakes Community House in Wrangell and the work performed on it during 1939-1940.
The next two items consist of reports generated by MRV in 2007 concerning the firm’s proposed work to restore the Chief Son-I-Hat Whale House at Kasaan, Alaska. The reports, which include color images, were prepared by MRV head Paul Voelckers and his wife Mary Pat Wyatt. Both reports discuss the state of the house in 2007, such as issues of wood rot, weathering, and structure stability. The reports also discuss some aspects of the House’s history and MRV’s recommendations for repairs.
Note: Those interested in Linn A. Forrest, Sr.’s work during the 1938-1940 period to restore Native architecture should see SHI’s Linn A. Forrest, Sr. Photograph Collection (PO014). Researchers should also see Forrest’s book about the work, cited as: Viola E. Garfield and Linn A. Forrest. The Wolf and the Raven, Totem Poles of Southeastern Alaska. 19th printing. (Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996), also held by SHI’s library.
Operating from Juneau, Alaska and established in 1952, MRV Architects is one of the oldest and most stable architectural firms in Alaska. Since then the firm’s project undertakings include schools, museums, housing, hotels, libraries, and Native clan houses. MRV offers a wide range of professional services, including programming, planning, conceptual design, construction drawings, construction management, interior design and space planning. MRV Architects is a mid-sized firm with a consistent average of 10-12 employees. Principals Robert Minch and Paul Voelckers bring over 40 years of combined experience to the firm, and have extensive knowledge on local issues of climate, appropriate materials, and energy-conscious design. MRV has achieved a record of design distinction among Alaskan architects, with five top regional and state honor awards.
Source: MRV Website, accessed July 9, 2008: http://www.mrvarchitects.com/index.php
Repository: Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives
Acquisition Source: MRV Architects
Acquisition Method: The material in the collection was accessioned by SHI archives on July 9, 2008 with permission of MRV Architects. The two 2007 reports were downloaded from the web on July 9, 2008 and the transcribed interview with Linn Forrest, Sr. was photocopied from a folder in Mss 1: SHI Records.
Fd 1: Typed transcript of “Interview on the Reconstruction of Chief Shakes House with Linn Forrest, Sr., Project Architect,” interview by Richard Ritter and Paul Voelckers, Oct. 31, 1983, at offices of Minch Ritter Forrest Architects, 10 pp. [two copies]
Fd 2: Report; Mary Pat Wyatt, “Report on History, Condition and Preservation for the Son-I-Hat Whale House and Totem Park,” prepared for Kavilco, Inc., January 2007, 19 pp.
Fd 3: Report; MRV Architects, “Chief Son-I-Hat Whale House, Architectural Analysis and Condition Survey,” March 2007, 22 pp.
