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Joel Bostick Papers

An inventory of his papers at the Syracuse University Archives


Finding aid created by: Anna E. Shuff
Date: 2025

Biography

Joel Bostick (1947-2004) was an architect and a professor at Syracuse University. Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, Bostick attended Cornell University, and graduated with his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1970 and his Master of Architecture degree in 1974. He was hired as an assistant professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture in 1974 and was later promoted to associate professor, a position he held until his death. Bostick was active in planning and leadership in the School of Architecture, and designed the Advanced Building Systems course, a class that trains architecture students to design buildings with systems, codes, and functionality in mind. Bostick was also a member of the faculty of Syracuse University’s Florence architecture program and later served as its director. In addition to his role as an educator, Bostick worked on projects with several architectural firms, including Wells/Koetter/Dennis, as well as Perry, Dean, Stahl & Rogers with whom he designed the Ithaca Commons Center (later called Center Ithaca), and Werner Seligmann Associates, where he acted as a consultant on an urban renewal plan for the city of Binghamton, New York. Bostick received several awards and commendations throughout his career, including a Eidlitz Fellowship for urban studies research and a travel grant from the Graham Foundation. The Advanced Buildings System course that Bostick designed was recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board as an outstanding part of the Syracuse University School of Architecture’s curriculum.

Scope and Content Note

The Joel Bostick Papers contain materials created and collected by Bostick during his career as an architect and Syracuse University professor. The collection consists of two series, Syracuse University School of Architecture and Professional work.

Professional work contains materials from Bostick’s work as an architect, including drawings, blueprints, building plans, correspondence, contracts, and project photographs, notably those which concern the design and construction of the Wilbur Cowett House on Bluff Island in Tupper Lake, New York, the design of the Ithaca Commons Center (later called Center Ithaca) in Ithaca, New York and an urban renewal plan for Binghamton, New York.

Syracuse University School of Architecture contains materials pertaining to Bostick’s time as a faculty member of the Syracuse University School of Architecture and his involvement with the Syracuse University Florence architecture program. These include correspondence, notes, manuscripts, typescripts, and architecture course materials, such as syllabi, course descriptions and assignment instructions. Also present are publications such as Firenze Architettura, a series of scale drawings of notable buildings in Florence produced by Syracuse University architecture faculty and students.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions:

Please note that the collection is housed off-site, and advance notice is required to allow time to have the materials brought to the Reading Room on campus.

Some records in this collection are restricted. School, college and department records are restricted to the office of origin for 30 years.

Use Restrictions:

Written permission must be obtained from the Syracuse University Archives and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Related Material

Administrative records were removed and filed in the Syracuse University School of Architecture Records.

More information on Joel Bostick and his work can be found in the Syracuse University Clipping Files and the Werner Seligmann Papers.

Selected Search Terms

Names

Bostick, Joel.
Syracuse University -- History.
Syracuse University.
Syracuse University. -- School of Architecture.

Associated Titles

Firenze architettura.

Subjects

Architecture -- Italy -- Florence.
Architecture -- New York (State) -- New York.
Architecture students.
Architecture teachers.
Architecture.
Architects.
College teachers.
Higher education.

Types of Material

Architect-consultant contracts.
Architectural drawings (visual works)
City maps.
Contract documents.
Correspondence.
Instructional documents.
Magazines (periodicals)
Manuscripts.
Notes (documents)
Photographs.
Posters.
Syllabi.
Typescripts.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Joel Bostick Papers,
University Archives,
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Gift of Michelle and James Wernlé and transfer from the Syracuse University School of Architecture between 2006 and 2024.

Processing Information

Materials were placed in acid-free folders in acid-free boxes. Photographs were placed in Mylar enclosures.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged alphabetically.

Table of Contents

Professional work

Syracuse University School of Architecture

Inventory