Sigmund Francis Blum

Renowned Architect, Real Estate Developer, Hotelier, and Patron of the Arts, Sigmund F. Blum was born on January 16th 1926 in New Rochelle, New York. He passed away on September 21, 2018 in Naples, Florida. He was 92 years of age. He was the son of Nicholas and Sally Blum, and pre-deceased his brother Gerald Blum.

Blum volunteered for service in the Air Corps during World War II and participated in the Pacific Theater as a B24 belly aerial gunner where he received the Air Medal for distinguished meritorious achievement while participating in numerous aerial battles. After World War II, Blum Attended the University of Illinois where he received a B.A. Degree in Architecture in 1951. He graduated with highest honors and received a teaching fellowship. After graduation, Blum worked for numerous offices in New York City and while with Kelly & Gruzen achieved his first international recognition for his innovative design approach with the design of NYC Junior High School No. 22. The building was exhibited at the 20th Annual International Conference on School buildings at Geneva, Switzerland and received design awards from the AIA. Blum joined Smith, Hinchman & Grylls Associates, Inc. in 1959 as Chief Designer and quickly rose to an associate role in 1961, and a Vice President role in 1963 when he was also named a member of the board of directors. While leading design at Smith, Hinchman & Grylls Associates, Inc. he achieved further international notoriety for his award winning designs of the First Federal Building, Detroit Metropolitan Airport Terminal, James H. Whiting Auditorium, Kresge Headquarters, U of M Dental School, and the Blum House to name a few. In addition, the First Federal Building, James H. Whiting Auditorium, U of M Dental School, and the Blum House were designated by the Historical Preservation Office of the State of Michigan as significant works of art to be preserved for generations of Michiganders to enjoy. He held these positions until 1971 when he left to found his own practice where he continued his award winning design work and also branched out to real estate development and hotel ownership and operation. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Michigan Society of Architects, Founders’ Society and board member of the Friends of Modern Art, Detroit Institute of Arts, and the National Panel of Arbitrators. Mr. Blum has acted as a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, University of Illinois and Lawrence Institute of Technology. In 1968 Mr. Blum was appointed a member of the National AIA Honor Awards Jury. He served on the National AIA Committee for Design and acted as chairman of the Detroit Chapter-Civic Design Committee. In 1973 he was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and is a recipient of over fifty international, national, and local design awards.

Mr. Blum leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Carlotta, his daughter Diana Lapins, son Alexander Blum (daughter in law) Maureen, and grandsons, Parker Lapins and Nicholas Blum.

A long time resident of Franklin, Michigan and a summer resident of Harbor Springs, Michigan. Mr. Blum was for many years a current resident of Naples, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Avow Hospice, Naples, Florida.