Remembering George Acock
George W. Acock, whose six-decade career in architecture changed the face of Columbus and influenced planning decisions throughout the region, died at home on March 13, surrounded by family. He was 85.
A celebration of life will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. May 18 in the Thompson Library’s Grand Reading Room, 1858 Neil Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George W. Acock 1963 Fund (#640019) in the Knowlton School of Architecture. More details about the event and how to donate can be found
About George:
George was born August 2, 1938, in Trenton, NJ, to the late George and Elizabeth Acock. While his father wanted him to be an engineer, George said he knew from the age of eight that he wanted to be an architect. When it came time to pursue a degree, George chose The Ohio State University, whose architecture program was housed in the College of Engineering and included engineering classes.
Four years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1963, George founded Acock Associates Architects. While he would go on to design more than $1.5 billion of construction, some of his most prominent accomplishments were on behalf of his alma mater, where he not only provided modern educational and living facilities, but worked to preserve the campus’s historic buildings.
Off campus, there is hardly any part of Columbus where George’s influence cannot be seen. He envisioned what is now the Arena District, an area that formerly featured an empty state prison, vacant industrial buildings and gravel parking lots. He was the first to invest in the neighborhood, turning an abandoned warehouse into his firm’s headquarters. George was a valued partner to the Columbus College of Art and Design and the driving volunteer force for ongoing renewal of the CCAD campus, as well as a master plan that gave the college a distinct visual identity downtown. As a member of the Grandview Heights Planning Commission, George also played an important role in the development of Grandview Yard on the western edge of Columbus.
While George may be best known for his contributions to the built environment, he also played a huge role in preparing the next generation of architects. More than any other alumnus, he had an impact on the reputation, success and vitality of the Austin E. Knowlton School of Architecture – as a student, teacher, philanthropist/fund-raiser, program designer and mentor to students, faculty and graduates.
