View source for Neil LaMonte Astle (1933-2000), Architect

<div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">'''Omaha, Nebraska, 1965-1999; and Salt Lake City, Utah, 1984-1999'''</div style="white-space:nowrap;font-size:125%">


'''DBA:''' Neil Astle Associates, Architects; Neil Astle & Associates, Architects; Astle & Associates, Architects


Neil Astle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 14, 1933. He received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in 1955, a Bachelors of Architecture from Utah in 1958, and his Masters of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1959.[[#References|[16][19][21]]]  

Astle was associated with numerous Utah architectural firms prior to moving east to practice and to teach, and designed many well-known buildings in Utah during the final years of his career. These included works at his alma mater, the University of Utah, and the campuses of Weber State University, Salt Lake City College, and Snow College. Among notable Nebraska works are his own house, the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, the Benedictine Monastery, and the Mormon Trail Center.[[#References|[1][17]]]  His work was frequently cited in publications and news articles, many of which are noted below.

In the 60s, Astle came to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he spent many years in different professor and program directing positions. While in Nebraska, Astle started his own firm, [[Neil Astle & Associates, Architects]], a firm that soon employed Nebraskan architect [[Ronald G. Ericson (ca. 1939-2008), Architect|Ronald G. Ericson]]. In 1978, the firm changed its name to include Ericson, becoming [[Astle-Ericson & Associates, Architects]], the firm that Astle would continue to work under as he moved back to Utah and did country-wide projects until 1999.[[#References|[21]]]

Astle’s work often received peer recognition. In 1999, the Utah Society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award, "the highest award given to a retired architect, who during his years of practice and service to the community has contributed a body of high quality work that has left a lasting legacy and a positive impact upon those who use it."  Astle was the first person to receive the award.[[#References|[1][21]]] Among many other awards over the course of his career, Astle received the Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska, the highest award of the Nebraska AIA, posthumously in 2008.[[#References|[17]]]

Astle was also a professor of architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design, as well as the University of Nebraska. He died on March 13, 2000 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 66.[[#References|[1][21]]] 

See the [http://utahcfa.org/architect/neil-lamonte-astle '''Utah Center for Architecture'''], Utah Architects Project page, for the definitive work on Astle.[[#References|[21]]]

This page is a contribution to the publication, '''[[Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects]]'''. See the [[Format and contents of Nebraska architect entries|format and contents]] page for more information on the compilation and page organization.

==Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings==
Ralston, Nebraska, 1965; Omaha, Nebraska, 1966-1976

==Educational & Professional Associations==
1951-1958: BFA and BArch, University of Utah.[[#References|[16][19]]]

1956-1957: with Donald Panushka, Architect, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1957: with Glen R. Swenson, Architect, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1957: with Lowell E. Parrish, Architect, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1957-1958: with Stephen L MacDonald, Architect, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1958-1959: MArch, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.[[#References|[16][19]]]

1958-1959: with D. R. McMullin, Architect, Cambridge, Massachusetts.[[#References|[19]]]

1959-1960: with Lemoine & Nicolatus, Architects, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1960: with H. K. Beecher & Associates, Architects, Salt Lake City, Utah.[[#References|[19]]]

1961-1962: civil engineer with U. S. Air Force, Albany, Georgia.[[#References|[19]]]

1962: Registered Professional Architect, Florida.[[#References|[19]]]

1962-1963: architect, U. S. Air Force, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[19]]]

1962-1963: architect, [[Steele, Weinstein & Associates, Inc., Architects|Steele, Weinstein & Associates, Inc.]], Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[19]]]

1963-1965: Assistant Professor of Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island.[[#References|[16][19]]]

1963-1965: architect, Robinson Greene & Beretta, Architects, Providence, Rhode Island.[[#References|[19]]]

1964: Registered Professional Architect, NCARB.[[#References|[19]]]

1964: Neil Astle, Architect, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[19]]]

1965-1973: associate professor of architecture, visiting lecturer and critic, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[16][17][19][21]]][[#Notes|[a]]]

1965: architect, [[Steele, Weinstein & Associates, Inc., Architects|Steele, Weinstein & Associates, Inc.]], Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[19]]]

1965: Registered Professional Architect, Nebraska, A-690.[[#References|[19]]]

1965-1973:  Neil Astle, Architect, Omaha, Nebraska.

1973-1976: director of Urban Programs, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[17][21]]]

1973-1978:  [[Neil Astle & Associates, Architects|Neil Astle & Associates]], Omaha, Nebraska.[[#Notes|[b]]]

1978-1999: president, [[Astle-Ericson & Associates, Architects|Astle-Ericson & Associates]], Omaha, Nebraska.

1979: professor of graduate design class, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[21]]]

1983: named Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.[[#References|[17]]]

1984-1999: president, [[Astle-Ericson & Associates, Architects|Astle-Ericson & Associates]], Salt Lake City, Utah.

==Nebraska & Iowa Buildings & Projects==

===1965-1978; '''Neil Astle & Associates, Architects'''===

Neil L. Astle house (1968-1969), 10906 Bel Air Drive, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[5][9][13][14][16][18][20][22]]]

Flansberg house (1969), 2205 S 11th, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[14][18][20][22]]]

Dr. and Mrs. R. L. Tollefson house (1971), Wausa, Nebraska.[[#References|[4][12][14][17][20][21][22]]]

Milltown Village (1974), 108th & Seward, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[14][17][20][22]]]

Myott Park Housing (1974-1975), 6636 N 51st Plaza, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[10][14][20][21][22]]]

Dale and Sylvia Ball house (1975), 2525 S 95th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[6][8][14][20][21][22]]]

Dr. and Mrs. U. John Collignon house (1975), Council Bluffs, Iowa [[#References|[11][20][22]]]

Midlands Mall [Omni Center] (1975), 300 West Broadway #1, Council Bluffs, Iowa [[#References|[7][19][20][21][22]]]

Morehead house (1977), Falls City, Nebraska.[[#References|[14][20][21]]]

===1978-1999; '''Astle-Ericson & Associates, Architects'''===

Christ the King Priory, St. Benedict Center (1979), 1123 Road I, Schuyler, Nebraska.[[#References|[17][21]]]

DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (1980-1981), 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, Iowa.[[#References|[17][21]]]

Benedictine Mission House (1991) 1123 Road I, Schuyler, Nebraska.[[#References|[21]]]

The Museum of Danish America (1991), 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa.[[#References|[21]]]

Mormon Trail Center (1996-1997), 3215 State St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[1]]]

===Undated Projects===

Earring Shop (n.d.).[[#References|[20]]]

Crayne Candy Shop (n.d.).[[#References|[20]]]

Stafford Residence (n.d.).[[#References|[20]]]

Sallye's Town & Country Women's Shop (n.d.).[[#References|[20]]]

==Honors & Awards==
'''Dated'''

1963: First Prize, Region 6, National School Fallout Shelter Design Competition.

1963: First place for Elementary School Design, Department of Defense.[[#References|[18][22]]]

1964: Second place for Shopping Center Design, Department of Defense, Region 1.[[#References|[18][22]]]

1968: Nebraska Chapter AIA Honor Award for Astle Residence, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[18][20]]]

1969: Nebraska Chapter AIA Merit Award for Flansberg Residence.[[#References|[18][20]]]

1983: Fellow, American Institute of Architects.[[#References|[17]]]

2008: Posthumous recipient, AIA Nebraska, Cunningham Gold Medal.[[#References|[17]]]


'''Undated'''

First place in A.P.A. National Competition for Design of Therapeutic Community.[[#References|[18]]]

First Honor Award, American Institute of Architects, Ball Residence.[[#References|[20]]]

Honors Award, American Institute of Architects, Morehead Residence.[[#References|[20]]]

Honors Award, American Institute of Architects, Milltown Village.[[#References|[20]]]

Regional Award, American Institute of Architects, Collignon Residence.[[#References|[20]]]

Design Award, American Institute of Architects, Earring Shop.[[#References|[20]]]

Honors Award, American Institute of Architects, Tollefson Residence.[[#References|[20]]]

Regional First Honor Awards, American Institute of Architects, Midlands Mall.[[#References|[20]]]

Design Award, American Institute of Architects, Crayne Candy Shop.[[#References|[20]]]

Regional Awards, American Institute of Architects, Stafford Residence.[[#References|[20]]]

Design Award, American Institute of Architects, Sallye's Women's Shop.[[#References|[20]]]

==Notes==

a. Reference [[#References|[19]]] also states that he is with [[Steele, Weinstein & Associates, Inc., Architects]] these same years. The Omaha directory and phone book; however, list him with the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1964. 

b. Astle’s Fellowship Application [[#References|[24]]] gives the dates perhaps more correctly as 1968-1973. 

c. The Fellowship Application [[#References|[19]]] incorrectly lists 1962-1963, and 1965, while his AIA membership application, reference [[#References|[23]]], dates of 1965-1968 are supported by the Omaha City and Telephone 
Directories for 1966-1968.

d. The 1970 AIA Directory states that Astle established his own practice in Omaha in 1968. [[#References|[18]]]]

e. Astle transferred his AIA membership from Omaha to Salt Lake City in 1981, opening a branch office of his firm, [[Astle-Ericson & Associates, Architects]], there at the same time. [[#References|[24]]]

==References==
1.  Vicki Speek, “Neil L. Astle,” ''News about Mormons, Mormonism, and the LDS Church'' (Mormon-News, March 21, 2000) [Summary of articles from the ''Salt Lake Tribune'' (March 15, 2002), 2, and the ''Lincoln Journal-Star'' (March 15, 2000): 2.] Accessed February 7, 2003, <http://www.mormonstoday.com/000319/P2Astle01.shtml>

2. "Prominent LDS Architect Neil Astle Dies," ''Lincoln Journal Star'' (March 15, 2000), 2.

3.  Frank Israel, "Architecture: Neil Astle," ''Architectural Digest'' 35:6 (July- August 1978), 66-73.

4.  Editors of Architectural Record, ''The Architectural Record Book of Vacation Houses'' (New York: American Heritage Press, 1970). 

5.  H. W Janson, ''19th and 20th Century Art'' (1970), Plate 414.

6.  “Vaulted Skylights Create Corridors of Sun,” ''House Beautiful’s Building Manual'' (Spring-Summer 1978).

7.  Judy Sutcliffe, “The Miracle of Midlands Mall,” ''The Iowan'' (Summer 1977).

8.  “Ball Residence, Omaha, Nebraska, Neil Astle, Architect,” ''Architectural Record 157'' (May 1977).

9.  Alan C. Borg, “Building a House Can Be Like Child’s Play,” ''American Home'' 71 (April 1968).

10.  David Morton, “Astle’s Castle,” ''Progressive Architecture'' 56 (October 1975), 70-73.

11.  [Jim Murphy], “Collignon Residence: New Priorities,” ''Progressive Architecture'' 53 (May 1972).

12.  “Record Houses of 1972,” ''Architectural Record'' 152 (1972).

13.  “Nailed Scantling Technique,” ''Progressive Architecture'' 49 (May 1968).

14.  Homer L. Puderbaugh, H. Keith Sawyers, Steve Eveans, and James Pearce, ''New Architecture in Nebraska'' (Omaha: Nebraska Society of Architects, 1977). 

15.  “Case History Report, Shopping Malls: Reinforced Concrete Creates Versatile Shopping Mall,” (Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, 1978).

16.  Neil Astle, “It seems contradictory…,” ''Prelim'' (student publication of the School of Architecture, University of Nebraska), 3:1 (Spring 1969). [detailed narrative concerning the design and construction of his own house in Omaha].

17.  “Astle to Receive Gold Medal,” ''The Nebraska Architect'' CXXVII (August 22, 2008). Accessed September 26, 2008. http://www.aiane.org/newsletter/20080822.htm#content852

18.  ''The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects'', s.v. “Astle, Neil Lamonte,” (ahd1001408) Accessed March 8, 2017. http://public.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki

19. “From the Files: Neil LaMonte Astle,” ''The Nebraska Professional'' (October 2004), 5.

20. ''Astle Ericson Design Awards'' [bound booklet, undated].

21. "Neil Lamonte Astle," ''Utah Center for Architecture'' (2012-2016). Accessed March 7, 2017. http://utahcfa.org/architect/neil-lamonte-astle

22. "Astle Ericson Publications" ''Architecture Nebraska'' (Lincoln: Schluntz Publication, 1977). Spiral bound book in NSHS file.

23. Astle, Neil L., Corporate Membership Files, The American Institute of Architects Archives, The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects, s.v. “Astle, Neil L.,” (ahd1001408), http://public.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki (accessed March 14, 2017).

24. Astle, Neil L., Fellowship Membership Files, The American Institute of Architects Archives, The AIA Historical Directory of American Architects, s.v. “Astle, Neil L.,” (ahd1001408), http://public.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki (accessed March 14, 2017).

==Page Citation== 

[[D. Murphy]], “{{PAGENAME}},” {{Template:ArchtPageCitation}} March 7, 2017.  {{Template:ArchtPageCitation2}} {{LOCALMONTHNAME}} {{LOCALDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}.


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