PRESIDENT ' S NOTE
Remembering Jim Straw
I remember when I first met Jim Straw . He was one of the principals of an important architecture firm in Philadelphia — KSK ( later KSK Architects Planners Historians )— that had established a stellar reputation for a wide range of design , planning and historic preservation projects . A good friend of mine — Suzanna Barucco — was in charge of their preservation portfolio for several years , and so the three of us would gather for a bite to eat from time to time . Over many a good meal , I began to see and understand Jim ’ s enormous capacity for developing new ideas and undertaking new projects , driven by an energy and joy that was infectious for me and so many others he touched .
As I got to know Jim , I came to realize that there was a depth and breadth to his professional career and his civic leadership that I did not grasp at first . Jim and his firm had designed and planned entire communities — in China and Egypt , no less — and had taken on the preservation of major landmarks like the Ridgway Library ( now the High School for Creative and Performing Arts ) and Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park ( now the Please Touch Museum ) in Philadelphia .
Further , it seemed to me that Jim had served as a leader and Board member for every major performing arts organization in Philadelphia — only a slight exaggeration — and always with wisdom and grace .
But I think it ’ s fair to say that sacred places always had a very special place in his heart and life . Jim and his wife Keith were active for decades at Old Pine Presbyterian Church in Society Hill , a landmark church with a strong congregation that has stewarded its building with care and creativity . Jim also served as a leader in the formation of Broad Street Ministry , which brought the old Chambers Wylie Presbyterian Church — which had been vacant for years — back to life as a place for worship and outreach to hundreds of people without a home to call their own .
Perhaps it was inevitable — perhaps divinely meant — that Jim agreed to serve on Partners ’ Board , and indeed he became our Chairman at an important moment of change and growth . Furthermore , he helped to shape and advise our Playing and Preserving project , which brought together historic sacred places and their pipe organs , young Classical musicians , and children learning to play an instrument . St . Mary ’ s Church , Hamilton Village , on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania , served as the site of several remarkable concerts organized with Astral Artists , still another organization that Jim chaired .
Are you getting the impression that all of these activities and commitments would test the strength and resources of any mortal man ? Somehow , Jim did all these things and did them with joy , inspiring and encouraging the rest of us along the way . When news reached us a few weeks ago that Jim had died , it was difficult to imagine a world without that joy . His dedication and generosity had an impact that will be felt for years to come . But his most important legacy may be the wide circle of friends and colleagues who saw his vision and were moved by his energy , and who will continue and propel the causes — including the preservation of sacred places — that Jim loved so much .
A . ROBERT JAEGER
STAFF
A . Robert Jaeger , President Joshua Castaño , Director of Special Initiatives Karen DiLossi , Director of Strategic Partnerships Bridget Fidler , Senior Director of Consulting Gianfranco Grande , Executive Vice President Fred Hardyway , Director of Transition Services Emilie Haertsch , Communications Manager Rachel Hildebrandt , Director , National Fund for
Sacred Places Blair Horton , Project Coordinator Sarah Lyn Jones , Associate Director of Community
Engagement Simon Kaufman , Director of Development Craig Nowlin , Chief Operating Officer Tiara Richardson , Office Manager Owen Robbins , Special Project & Design Associate Emily Sajdak , Senior Project Manager Rochelle Stackhouse , Senior Director of Programs Geraldine Wang , Senior Fellow , Strategic
Advancement Michael J . Crosbie , FAIA , Editorial Content Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Rev . Katherine Glaze Lyle , Chair Ms . Barbara Abrajano Rabbi Michael Balinsky The Rt . Rev . Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows Mr . Rob Berard Mrs . David B . Butler Charles B . Casper , Esq . Mr . Mark Constantine Ms . Jennifer Correia The Rev . Peter D . D ’ Angio Mr . Marsh Davis Paul Edmondson , Esq . Mr . Marco Federico Lynn Hunt Gray , Esq ., Secretary Sheffield Hale , Esq . Jorge L . Hernandez , AIA Mr . G . Edward Hughes Mr . Dave Kirwan Ms . Rosa Lowinger Bishop Denis J . Madden The Rev . David W . Watkins , III Robin E . Whitehurst , AIA , Vice Chair and Treasurer
1700 Sansom Street , 10th Floor Philadelphia , PA 19103 partners @ sacredplaces . org www . sacredplaces . org 215.567.3234
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