James T. Ream

1929 - 2010

James Ream, FAIA, an award-winning architect, who from his arrival in San Francisco in 1966 to the present, was active in
civic design issues. As an energetic member of civic organizations, he initiated proposals directed at the improvement of the quality of urban design and planning in his adopted city.

Born September 8, 1929 in Summit, New Jersey, his education included the Choate School in Connecticut, his architectural degree
from Cornell University, graduate studies in industrial design at Pratt Institute, and postgraduate studies in structural engineering at the University of Rome, Italy.

He was active in civic affairs serving as vice president of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board 1974-78 under Mayors Joseph Alioto and George Moscone; board member 1979-1991 and president of the Foundation for San Francisco's Architectural heritage; board member 1977-1989 and chair of the Advisory council, San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR); board member 1985-2005 and president of the Presidio Heights Association of Neighbors (PHAN).

His role in San Francisco planning issues started in 1969 when he directed the 1970 master plan update for the expansion of San Francisco International Airport for John Carl Warnecke and Associates. He led a consultant team to propose a change in the proposed concept for the pending Moscone Convention Center from large boxes covering two south of Market blocks to placing it underground with parks above which later became Yerba Buena Gardens. In 1989 he proposed a glass pavilion design as a stimulus to hold an international design competition to replace the existing dilapidated Cliff House with a structure to
maximize the visitor's views of this dramatic site.

His architectural career began in the office of Eero Saarinen in Michigan, 1957-59; the firm of Muchow Associates in Denver, 1959-61; and his own practice in Denver, 1961-66 specializing in residential projects, highlighted by his winning the competition to build
Currigan Convention Center. He joined the firm of John Carl Warnecke and Associates in 1966 as Chief of Design for the San Francisco office, 1966-1969. Projects he designed during this period included the Bell Telephone Company Broadway Building in New York, the Hennepin County Courts Building in Minneapolis, and the Pasadena Conference Center in Pasadena.

He established his own San Francisco practice as James Ream and Associates in 1969. Projects included the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary in Berkeley, the Vail Transportation Center, Vail, Colorado, Stapleton Plaza Hotel in Denver, Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church in Mountain View, Colma Recreation Center, Julius Kahn Recreation Building in San Francisco,
and Asbury United Methodist Church in Livermore. Residences include 2776 Broadway, 243 Holly Park Circle and 250 Walnut Street in San Francisco. In association with Jack Robbins as Robbins and Ream, Architects, he designed the Oakmead Office Building in Mountain View. He also designed the Lionshead Parking Center and the Cascade Sports Club in Vail.

He served as chief design consultant to the San Jose Arena. His work was reviewed in 60 professional publication and popular journals and received 19 awards for design. He was awarded his fellowship for the quality of design by the American Institute of Architects in 1979.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Ream, three children, Claudia Powell, Sarah Ream, Benjamin Ream and wife Lauren, two stepchildren, Katie Candland and husband Kevin, Annie Barnes and husband Jeb, and 9 grandchildren. Mr. Ream took great pleasure in his family. He and Nancy traveled widely, both abroad and in national parks, chronicling his trips with
his fine photography. He also enjoyed attending the opera, symphony and theater. He was a kind and loving man who will be missed enormously. Mr. Ream passed away peacefully under Kaiser Hospice care, surrounded by his family at home. Mr. Ream donated his body to UCSF Willed Body program. A private family memorial service has been held.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the organization of one's choice or the San Francisco Parks Trust, McLaren Lodge, 501 Stanyon Street, San Francisco, 94117, specifying that the gift is intended for the Jim Ream bench at Julius Kahn Playground in the Presidio.