Volk, John L. (John Latham Volk) (1901-1984)
Dates
- Existence: 1901 - 1984
Biography
John Volk was born in Graz, Austria, and emigrated to New York City at the age of nine with his family. Volk studied architecture at Columbia University and apprenticed with H.P. Knowles, a Masonic architect in New York. In 1925 he relocated to Florida during the real estate boom, and he opened his own practice there in 1926. Architect Gustav A. Mass joined as a partner from 1927 to 1937. He was commissioned to design over 2,000 projects during his 60 years of practicing architecture in Palm Beach.
Volk’s most significant commercial projects are the Royal Poinciana Plaza and additions and renovations to the First National Bank. Outstanding among his civic projects were the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, and additions and renovations to the Everglades Club and the Bath and Tennis Club. His residential projects ranged from estates for titans of the financial world to smaller homes in new subdivisions. There is no particular style exclusively associated with Volk; he perfected many styles from Mediterranean Revival to Modern. Volk’s legacy can be found on almost every street in Palm Beach and throughout the United States and the Bahamas.
Occupations
Found in 26 Collections and/or Records:
Job #1935 John L. Volk residence - Palm Beach, 1969
206 Phipps Plaza
John K. Volk Jr. Photographs, bulk: 1969 - 1970
John L. Volk Architectural Collection
Architectural drawings by John Volk encompass his work in Palm Beach, South Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the United States. Artwork by Volk or draftsmen include renderings of many of these projects. Photographic materials extensively document Volk’s career and include personal photographs of Volk as a young man, with his wife Jane Volk, and social events in Palm Beach. Printed material includes periodicals that feature the work of Volk.
Sub-Series a: John Volk Jr. Papers, 1920 - 2001, bulk: 1920 - 1950
Includes assorted periodicals and newspaper clippings, images, and correspondence pertaining to John and Jane Volk.
Volk Family Papers, 1933 - 2005
Architectural drawings by John Volk encompass his work in Palm Beach, South Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the United States. Artwork by Volk or draftsmen include renderings of many of these projects. Photographic materials extensively document Volk’s career and include personal photographs of Volk as a young man, with his wife Jane Volk, and social events in Palm Beach. Printed material includes periodicals that feature the work of Volk.
Volk, John L.
The Research Files are a collection created by the Preservation Foundation. It includes newspaper clippings and various documents on significant topics and people in Palm Beach.