Wendell C. Harp

Wendell Carl Harp, local architect, developer and civic leader, was called home on Friday, December 2, 2011. Wendell was the son of the late Willie and Edna Harp, of Chicago Il. Wendell was raised in Chicago, where he attended Chicago public schools, before attending Howard University (B.A. Architecture '69) and then Yale University (M. City Planning '70 and M. Architecture '71). Following graduation from Yale University, Wendell settled in New Haven CT, and was a founding member of the Black Workshop, Inc., an urban architectural and design firm. Shortly thereafter, he married Ms. Toni Nathaniel, a fellow graduate of Yale University (M. Environmental Design '76). From the marriage of Wendell and Toni three children were born: Djana, Jamil and Wendell Matthew. In 1973, Wendell successfully completed the qualifications to become a registered member of the American Institute of Architects and was noted as the youngest registered architect in the nation. Following his professional accomplishments at the Black Workshop, Wendell was a co-founding partner of Architects Environmental Collaborative International P.C., a design and engineering firm engaged in a broad spectrum of architectural work including commercial, public infrastructure and multi-family residential projects throughout the northeastern region. Wendell also founded Renaissance Management Company, his wholly owned real estate management firm which services multifamily residential apartments in the greater New Haven area, and a host of related real estate development ventures for projects throughout Connecticut. Throughout his many business and professional ventures, Wendell remained devoutly religious, being a patron and influential member of the New Haven Church of Christ. Wendell's noted civic involvements included active participation in state and local political endeavors, and included many successes in aiding the political careers of many of our best-known elected officials. On a lesser-known level, Wendell found great pride in his role as a mentor to young, disadvantaged males and as a financial benefactor to those less fortunate than he. On a personal level, Wendell's greatest source of joy came from being a father and staunch family man, a loving brother and respected uncle. He is survived by his loving wife, Sen. Toni N. Harp, and children Djana Harp M.D., Jamil Harp M.D., and Wendell Matthew Harp, Esq. He is also survived and remembered by siblings Jerone Harp and Yvonne Harp Miller of Chicago IL; Murial Harp Moore of Rocklin CA; Willie Harp III of NYC; Pauline Thomas of Detroit MI; and Milton L. Jackson, Reynaud L. Harp and Cynthia Beaver of New Haven CT. Wendell's memory will also be cherished by a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Public viewing and wake will take place on Thursday, December 8, 2011, at the New Haven Church of Christ, 16 Gem Street, New Haven CT, from 3:30 PM until 6:30 PM. A service will be held Friday, December 9, 2011 at Battell Chapel, Yale University, Corner of College and Elm Streets, New Haven CT, commencing at 11:00 AM, with a calling hour at the church from 10-11AM. Interment will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. In recognition of the central role that education played in Wendell's life, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the following educational institutions: 1.New Haven Scholarship Fund c/o Mr. Peter Stolzman 20 Peddlers Drive Branford CT 06405 2.Howard University Development and Alumni Relations 2225 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 616 Washington DC 20059 Donations can be made by Check or money order, with appropriate notation "…in Memory of Wendell Harp."