January 28, 2008, Lower Merion, PA - With a vision firmly set on the future, The Barnes Foundation has taken another
key step to establish its new, center for art education on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, which will house
the world-class Barnes Foundation art collection.
The Barnes Foundation today announced the hire of William W. McDowell III, AIA to serve as Senior Building Project Executive
for the design and construction phase of its new building. He will be responsible for day-to-day management of the project
and serve as a liaison between the Foundation, its architects and numerous other consultants.
McDowell brings unique experience to the Foundation having worked in both the public and private sectors on a variety of
large, complex urban projects. McDowell is a registered architect and for the last 20 years has concentrated on the real
estate development side with particular emphasis on design and construction management. As Director of Development for
Philadelphia's Brickstone Realty, McDowell served as Project Manager for the development of two large facilities at Saint
Joseph's University. Prior to Brickstone, McDowell was Senior Director of Real Estate Development for the National Railroad
Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and was involved in the planning for the 30th Street rail yards and the development of the
Amtrak Garage. McDowell was also involved, as Amtrakīs representative, in the development of Brandywine Realty Trustīs Cira
Centre tower next to 30th Street Station working with architect Cesar Pelli.
From 1993 to 2000, McDowell served as Deputy Director of Design and Construction for the City's Redevelopment Authority. Most
notably, he was responsible for the redevelopment of Reading Terminal Headhouse, which now serves as the front door of the
Convention Center.
Aileen Roberts, Chair of the Building Committee and member of the Barnes Foundation Board of Trustees, said: "Mr. McDowell is
highly qualified to act as the Barnes Foundation representative as we make progress in constructing an internationally
important art education center in Philadelphia. He is a welcome addition to the incredibly talented architectural team
assembled by the Board."
"I am looking forward to this new and exciting challenge," said McDowell. "The new building will be an important contribution
to the Parkway and the City of Philadelphia."
The Foundation is looking ahead to its emerging future on the Parkway. Earlier this month, Philadelphia based Ballinger was
selected as associate architect for the new facility. The nationally recognized Ballinger joins New York-based Tod Williams
Billie Tsien Architects to design the Foundation's future center for art education. Additionally, the City of Philadelphia
and the Barnes Foundation formally executed a 99 year lease for the four-and-a-half acre site between 20th and 21st streets
and the Parkway that will house the institution's world-renowned art collection in early January.
The new facility will provide increased space for art education programs, conservation and research. Placement of the new
center for art education in proximity to other leading cultural institutions will enable the Barnes Foundation to ensure its
long-term viability, while providing greater access to the Collection and the Foundation's educational programs.
McDowell holds a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University and a Master of Science from the Columbia University Graduate
School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He is a registered Professional Architect in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and serves on the Advisory Board of Design of the Redevelopment Authority.
A Philadelphia native, McDowell is a current resident of Chestnut Hill where he lives with his wife Cristina and son Philip.
About the Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to "promote the advancement of education and the
appreciation of the fine arts." The Galleries house one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist,
Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, with extensive holdings by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso,
Rousseau, Modigliani, Soutine and de Chirico, as well as Old Master paintings, important examples of African
sculpture and Native American ceramics, American furniture and metalwork, and antiquities from the Mediterranean
region and Asia.
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For more information, contact:
The Barnes Foundation
Andrew Stewart, 610 667 0290 x1567 or astewart@barnesfoundation.org
Ceisler Jubelirer
Larry Ceisler, 215 735 6760 or larry@cj-llc.com
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300 North Latch's Lane
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