Roger Margerum (1931-2016)

Between Chicago & Detroit

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Roger Margerum was an important modernist in both Detroit and his native Chicago, part of a generation of pioneering Black architects in both cities. He started his career in Chicago, working on drawings for the Air Force Academy Chapel at SOM under Walter Netsch.

Roger Margerum, Dr. E.J. Ingram House (1959) Woodlawn, Chicago, IL

After working for SOM and other Chicago firms, Margerum started his own firm there. His early commissions were primarily residential, like this Miesian house he designed on the South Side.

Roger Margerum, Lanier House (n.d.) Kenwood, Chicago, IL

Another Margerum design on the South Side is this unique rotated courtyard house at 1020 E. 48th Street. Unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see in person so these Street View photos will have to do for now.

Margerum’s other Chicago works include Libby Elementary School and the North Austin Library. He moved to Detroit in 1968, and became the first Black President of the Michigan AIA in 1984.

Roger Margerum, Kettering High School Auditorium (1978-81) Detroit, MI

With the angular auditorium addition at Detroit Kettering HS the influence of Margerum’s former mentor Walter Netsch becomes more clear. The skylights were boarded over when Kettering was closed in 2012.

Roger Margerum, Ambassador Bridge Park Shelter (1984) West Riverfront, Detroit, MI

Margerum considered this to be his favorite project, a minimalist park shelter overlooking the Detroit River and the industrial riverfront of Windsor, ON.

Roger Margerum, Margerum House aka 45 Degree Polygon House (2007) Jefferson-Chalmers, Detroit, MI

Margerum’s last work was this retirement house he designed for him and his wife on Detroit’s East Riverfront, a geometrically complex and boldly graphic contrast to its neighbors.

Aerial photo from this great 2007 Detroit Home feature on the Margerum House, where the architect explains the house design and discusses his long career: https://www.detroithomemag.com/featured-homes/roger-margerum-the-magic-of-the-45-degree-polygon/

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