Remembering David M. Childs

The Municipal Art Society of New York expresses its profound sadness at the passing of David M. Childs. David first joined the MAS Board of Directors in 1986. He was actively involved through 2012, serving as Board Chairman from 2009 to 2011, and afterwards served as a Director Emeritus until the end of his life. Under his leadership, MAS pursued a rigorous advocacy program including campaigns for Coney Island, the Garment District, the redevelopment of Penn Station and the Farley Post Office (Moynihan Station), the launch of the MAS Summit, and so much more. We are saddened to lose his voice of reason and enthusiasm. Through his designs for 7 World Trade (which we awarded our MASterworks Award in 2006 for “Best New Building”) and One World Trade, David helped transform a site of national tragedy into a beacon of hope and perseverance.

These are only some of his many iconic contributions to the built environment of New York City. We send our condolences to his wife, Annie; his children, Joshua, Nicholas, and Jocelyn; and his colleagues at SOM.