612 West Green Street, Urbana

Nathan Clifford Ricker lived in the house he designed at 612 West Green Street, Urbana from 1892-1924. He was the first (March 1873) university graduate of architectural studies in the United States. Among his accomplishments are the designs for five National Register-listed University of Illinois campus buildings (his house is his only known residential design) and the passage of the 1897 Illinois Architectural Act, which licenses the practice of architecture in the State of Illinois. Ricker served thirty-seven years as a professor and head of the Department of Architecture from 1873 until his retirement in 1910. In addition, he served as the Dean of the College of Engineering for twenty-seven years, from 1878 to 1905. He also developed an innovative instructional format that incorporated the use of modern materials and technology into both his lesson plans and building designs. His program, which emphasized technology, building design, construction, and history, is still used in the University of Illinois’ Department of Architecture.

In 1992, a plan was in the works to demolish the house and replace it with an eight-unit apartment building. David Garner, local architect, University of Illinois graduate, and PACA member, carried the torch for the endangered Ricker House and was instrumental in saving the structure. David worked with PACA and the City of Urbana to publicize the importance of both Ricker and his house. After intense negotiations with the owner, PACA bought the house in May 1996 for $115,000 with a loan from an anonymous donor. In 1997, the Nathan C. Ricker Foundation was formed in order to renovate the house and convert it into an educational center. Founding members of the foundation were Richard Cahill, David Garner, Steven Kelley, Walter Lewis, Arthur Kaha, and Susan Presser. The foundation worked to gain support from the University of Illinois’ schools of Architecture and Engineering. Despite generating publicity for the renovation effort, the foundation was unable to gain support from the university, and stopped meeting in 1998. Despite failing to meet their overall goals, the foundation raised $11,839 for the renovation of the property and worked with PACA to begin the renovation process. The chimneys and porches were rebuilt and the house was re-roofed. However, much work remained to be done. PACA board member Dan Leasure volunteered to renovate the house’s interior. This work included plaster repair, mechanical updates, refinishing and replacement of oak floors, bathroom renovations, and a new kitchen. With help from dedicated PACA volunteer Arthur Zangerl and his family, work continued on the outside of the structure, where artificial siding was removed and the original clapboards and decorative shingles were scraped in preparation for repainting in a historically sensitive paint scheme (that was chosen by the new owners). In May 2001, the house was sold to a family for $211,000. The sale included a preservation easement held by PACA that protects the house’s exterior and many distinctive interior features. In addition, the Ricker House became one of the first designated Urbana Landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.