Grand Canyon "Parkitecture" of Mary Colter

Above, the Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon's South Rim. It
 is considered to be a Mary Colter "masterpiece". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Architect Mary Colter is finally getting some recognition for her "Parkitecture" of many famous buildings of Grand Canyon National Park.

Thanks to CBS News, we get to learn something about Colter and her designs at the Grand Canyon.

They begin with:

Most of the 5.5 million visitors who pass through Grand Canyon National Park each year come for the views.  And when they inevitably need a break from the majestic scenery, they head inside -- to shop for souvenirs, admire Native American art, and check into the lodge. 

For Ranger Kristen Luetkemeier, the buildings of the Grand Canyon are just as grand as the vistas -- a stunning example of "Parkitecture." 

Knighton asked, "If someone were to come to the Grand Canyon and just look OUT and maybe not turn around and look BACK, do you feel like they'd be missing out on some of the park experience?" 

"I do," Ranger Luetkemeier replied. "I would feel sad for them. The opportunity to be in Grand Canyon Village, among the best collection of Mary Colter buildings in the world, was a real draw for me and something that I was really excited about." 

Mary Colter was the visionary architect behind the Canyon's most recognizable buildings. Born in 1869, Colter was the child of Irish immigrants, and left home at 16 to study interior design in California. 

Above, another view of Desert View Watchtower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.