This file part of www.watertownhistory.org website

 

George Fred Keck

 

1981

   Watertown Daily Times, 05 17 1981

 

Architect George Fred Keck, a native of Watertown, was inducted into the Housing Hall of Fame in recognition of his lasting contribution to the cause of providing all Americans with decent and affordable homes. Keck, who passed away last November in Chicago at the age of 85 and worked in partnership with his brother, William, was the first American architect to demonstrate the potential of passive solar energy. At a time when the nation enjoyed seemingly inexhaustible supplies of cheap fuel, he was an advocate of thermally efficient and functional modern design in housing. Keck built his first solar house in Watertown in 1935, the Wilde residence located at 305 Elizabeth Street. Using the “greenhouse” effect, he was able to achieve fuel savings of 15 to 20 percent. Small windows were built on the north side of the home; wide floor-to-eaves windows on the south. Trees were planted to reduce southern exposure during the summer.