Black History Month recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of black individuals and companies in different industries, including general contracting.
Black History Month recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of black individuals and companies in different industries, including general contracting. As we celebrate Black History Month, Mahogany, Inc. wants you to remember the pioneering legacy of these significant figures and their contributions to the construction industry.
Architectural Accomplishments
McKaissack and McKaissack
Let’s pay tribute to one of the first African American-owned architectural and engineering firms in the U.S.: McKaissack and McKaissack. It was founded by Moses McKaissack III and his brother Calvin in 1905 in Nashville, TN. Despite experiencing many challenges and discrimination as African American engineers and architects in the early 20th century, McKaissack and McKaissack secured general contracting contracts for various building projects throughout the United States, including libraries, schools, and homes.
One of their most famous achievements is the Tuskegee Institute Administration Building in Tuskegee, Alabama, which was created in the early 1900s. Fortunately, the building still stands today as a testament to their perseverance and design skills. Moreover, McKaissack and McKaissack designed and constructed multiple structures on the Tuskegee campus, including the Normal School Building and Carnegie Library.
Archibald Alphonso Alexander
Born in 1888, Archie Alexander was a trailblazing African American engineer and architect. He became the first African American to earn a degree from the University of Iowa’s College of Engineering in 1912. Despite receiving warnings from his professors about the racial challenges he would encounter in locating work, his career gradually progressed, resulting in the establishment of Alexander & Repass with his colleague Maurice Repass. The firm undertook many projects in Washington, D.C., including the Tidal Basin on the National Mall.
Alexander & Repass employed white and black workers for their projects at a time when this was almost unheard of. Over his career, Alexander oversaw over 300 projects, earning his general contracting firm the title by Ebony magazine as “the nation’s most famous interracial business.”
Robert R. Taylor
Robert R. Taylor was the first African American student at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As an early and influential faculty member, Taylor’s career was deeply associated with the Tuskegee Institute. He was proactive in the campus’s physical development and individual curriculum. In addition, his architectural work goes beyond Tuskegee because he designed buildings for many other HBCUs.
Taylor’s life and career demonstrate his pioneering spirit, resilience, and significant contributions to American architecture and education, continuing to inspire future generations of students and architects.
Elevate Your Space with Mahogany, Inc.
When you’re ready to transform your space, Mahogany Inc. is here to assist. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your home or restore a piece of history, Mahogany, Inc. has the expertise to help. From custom woodwork for residential or commercial spaces to historic restoration, their experienced professional is ready to deliver high-quality tailored solutions Ready to give your furniture or building a second life? Ready to give your furniture or building a second life? Call Mahogany, Inc, at 410.727.0334 for more information on your restoration services. Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest.