Taylor Hardwick (June 2 1925 – July 22 2014) was an American architect, interior designer, and developer best known for his modernist architectural contributions in Jacksonville, Florida. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Hardwick designed a variety of civic, commercial, and residential projects that emphasized bold geometric forms, extensive use of glass, and integration with the surrounding environment.
Early life and education
Hardwick was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Florida, graduating in 1948 after his studies were interrupted by service in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
Career
In 1955 Hardwick established his own practice, Taylor Hardwick & Associates. The firm quickly became a prominent developer of modernist architecture in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Notable aspects of his work include:
- Haydon Burns Library (1965) – A municipal library noted for its distinctive cantilevered roof, extensive glazing, and use of locally sourced brick. The building is considered a landmark of mid‑century modern architecture in the region.
- Northside and Riverside Plaza shopping centers – Commercial complexes that combined sleek façades with expansive parking structures, reflecting Hardwick’s emphasis on automobile‑oriented design.
- Residential projects – Including the “Myrtle Avenue Apartments” and a series of single‑family homes that employed open‑plan interiors, flat roofs, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Restaurant and hospitality design – Hardwick designed several notable eateries, such as “The Osprey” and “Pierre’s” (the latter later recognized for its mid‑century modern interior).
Hardwick’s designs often featured innovative structural elements, such as exposed steel framing and patterned concrete, and incorporated regional materials to mitigate the humid subtropical climate of northern Florida.
Style and influence
Hardwick’s work is frequently classified within the broader modernist movement, with particular affinity to the International Style and Mid‑Century Modernism. His emphasis on functional simplicity, combined with decorative detailing—often employing vibrant color palettes—set his projects apart from contemporaneous regional architecture. Several of his buildings have been the subject of preservation efforts and scholarly study for their cultural and architectural significance.
Later life and legacy
Hardwick remained active in the profession into his late seventies, mentoring younger architects and participating in local historic preservation societies. He died on July 22 2014 in Jacksonville. Posthumously, his contributions have been recognized through exhibitions at the Jacksonville Historical Society and inclusion of his works in architectural tours highlighting Jacksonville’s mid‑century modern heritage.