John C. Portman Jr.

Architect

Birthday December 4, 1924

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace South Carolina

DEATH DATE Dec 29, 2017 (93)

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About

Architect known for iconic hotels and office buildings, including the New York Marriott Marquis and Detroit's Renaissance Center. He expanded his reach to China in 1990 with the Shanghai Centre.

Before Fame

He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950. His firm was commissioned to build the Merchandise Mart in Downtown Atlanta, which it completed in 1961. His first atrium hotel was the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

Trivia

His contribution to the Peachtree Center in downtown Atlanta helped transform the city.

Family Life

His family was residing in Walhalla, South Carolina, when he was born. He married Joan Newton in 1944 and had six children.

Associated With

He and Daniel Burnham both became well-known architects from New York.