I.M. Pei, a legendary architect whose body of work includes landmark Wilmington building, dies at 102

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JFK Library. (Creative Commons Photo)

Noted architect I.M. Pei has died at age 102, the  Boston Globe and other media outlets reported. 

Pei was known for his work throughout the world that included the striking entrance to the Louvre art museum in Paris and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston

His work includes a downtown Wilmington building. 

Also known as the American International Building and 1102 N. Market, the tall and narrow high rise remained a city landmark as Pei’s fame spread throughout the world. 

Buccini/Pollin photo

Click here for a history of the building  that is cited as an example of the Brutalist school of architecture.Bu

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The building underwent a major overhaul more than a decade ago as it struggled with mechanical systems, windows, and other issues.

Another factor was an office market that was not impressed with a building from a legendary architect. 

Under Buccini/Pollin Group the building was rebranded under the I.M. Pei name. More recently a coffee shop opened  at the building under the I.M. Coffee name.

Buccini/Pollin co-CEO Chris Buccini said the passing of Pei is a “very sad loss of one of the most iconic architects in the past century.  BPG is honored to be a custodian for his only building in the State of Delaware. It is truly a work of public art.”

Click here  for a link to other examples of Pei’s work. 

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