Leopold Adler II

Lee was not only brilliant and funny but most significantly, he was farsighted and innovative in thinking about the challenges of our cities. Nobody did more for converting historic landmarks into affordable housing. He was an amazing catalyst for the regeneration of cities, ahead of his time. He is sorely missed.

Savannah, Georgia, and the nation are much better because of the contributions of Lee and Emma Adler. They demonstrated to a generation how cities, as well as historic resources could be saved. They understood the importance of the citizens as well as the buildings. Lee will be sorely missed

One of the brightest lights of Savannah has gone out but his legacy continues in the people whose lives he touched. Mr. Adler was one of my graduate school professors, and the knowledge he shared is invaluable. I will always remeber his dedication to preservation and his kind and gentle character. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him.

Lee was one of the first leaders in preservation and certainly my first leader. Without him Savannah as the historic city it is would have been erased. He loved the buildings and the squares and the trees and saved almost all of them, not matter what the personal cost. Emma was by his side and leading in education in the schools. He mentored me for almost 40 years. Arthur Ziegler, Pittsburgh

Dear Emma, John and the rest of our dear Savannah clan; our hearts are with all of you. Lee was so amazing. Some of my earliest and fondest memories revole around him and all of you. Here is a huge hug from your clan in the Northwest. Loads of love to you all, Packy, Katie, Max and Audrey

Dear Emma,

I was deeply saddened to learn of Lee's passing. Our sweet Savannah, like countless towns across the country, owes much of its enduring beauty and grandeur to Lee's unwavering passion for preservation. Lee's early support of SCAD helped the university to flourish, and SCAD's Adler Hall will forever be a monument to his legacy.

On behalf of the entire SCAD community, please accept my true condolences for your loss. I wish you and your family strength and solace...

I have never forgotten how warmly Lee and Emma welcomed my grad school class from GWU into their home during a field trip to their beloved Savannah. They shared the city and their vast knowledge of historic preservation -- and human nature -- with many students. Appreciation and gratitude for the insights and encouragement!