Leon W. Robinson (1852-1/12/1923) New Haven Connecticut (F.A.I.A.)

Dean of the architectural profession in New Haven during his later years, Robinson was elected to the American Institute of Architects in 1883, and advanced to Fellowship six years later. He was also a charter member of the Connecticut Chapter, A.I.A., one of the founders of the New Haven Architectural Club, and a member of the New Haven Colony Historical Society.

Born in Janesville Wisconsin, he was brought to New Haven in childhood by his parents, and after an early education, began architectural training. In 1880 he opened an office in New Haven, and through the ensuing years became a successful practitioner. Among his major works were a number of business structures such as the First National Bank building (where he afterwards had an office). Western Union Building, Southern New England Telephone Company Building, and the New Haven Water Company Building. In addition, he designed several schools in New Haven.

Mr. Robinson also served with distinction as Commissioner of the building for the Rhode Island State Library, and acted as Consulting Architect on work of repairing and modernizing the State Capitol. Serving as Architect of the State Commission, Mr. Robinson was directed by the Legislature to prepare plans for a new State Prison, and after making a close study of prison needs, presented a scheme inaugurating improvements in the design of such buildings.

Following a short illness, Mr. Robinson passed away at his home in New Haven at the age of seventy-one, leaving his practice in charge of George H. Gray of New Haven and Clark J. Lawrence of New York under the firm name of Gray & Lawrence.