Profile: Walter T. Bailey, Skyscraper of Bronzeville 

Architect • Educator • Builder of Black Institutions

One image introduces Walter T. Bailey, a pioneering architect whose vision helped reshape opportunities for African American professionals during the early twentieth century. The other highlights the First Church of Deliverance, one of his most innovative surviving works and a symbol of his ability to blend modern design with the needs of a growing community. Together, these images illustrate a career devoted to creating buildings that served not only practical purposes but also reflected pride, progress, and possibility. Bailey believed architecture could strengthen institutions and inspire communities. His work left a lasting imprint on churches, schools, and commercial buildings while expanding opportunities for future generations of Black architects. His story begins with a young Illinois student who transformed determination into groundbreaking achievement.

Overview:

Walter Thomas Bailey (1882–1941) became one of America's pioneering African American architects and helped establish a foundation for future generations of Black professionals in architecture. Born in Kewanee, Illinois, Bailey graduated from the University of Illinois in 1904 as the school's first African American graduate in architectural engineering. After working briefly in Illinois, he joined Booker T. Washington's Tuskegee Institute, where he supervised campus planning, architectural design, and construction projects. In 1916, Bailey opened his own architectural practice, first in Memphis and later in Chicago, becoming the first licensed African American architect in both Chicago and the state of Illinois. His career included churches, commercial buildings, and educational facilities, but he is best remembered for designing the National Pythian Temple and the First Church of Deliverance—landmark projects that demonstrated the growing strength, ambition, and creativity of African American communities during the early twentieth century. 

Primary Source Spotlight:

Walter T. Bailey: Architect in Practice

This collage offers a glimpse into Walter T. Bailey's professional career and his work for Black institutions in the Chicago area. 

At left is Bailey's professional advertisement from the Chicago Defender, dated July 15, 1939, identifying him as an architect practicing at 632 Prairie Avenue in Chicago. The newspaper clipping in the center, published in the Chicago Tribune, October 20, 1929, announced that Bailey had been selected as architect for the new Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 28 building in Evanston. 

At right is a later photograph of the Mount Moriah Masonic Temple. Together, these images document Bailey not simply as an architect whose work is remembered today, but as a practicing professional whose name appeared in the newspapers and whose architectural work helped shape institutions and communities in the Chicago area.

Quick Facts:

• Born January 11, 1882, in Kewanee, Illinois

• Graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (1904)

• First African American graduate of the university's architectural engineering program

• First licensed African American architect in Illinois

• First licensed African American architect in Chicago

• Head of the Mechanical Industries Department at Tuskegee Institute

• Supervised campus planning and construction at Tuskegee

• Opened private architectural practice in Memphis (1916)

• Relocated practice to Chicago (1924)

• Specialized in church, commercial, and institutional architecture

• Designed the National Pythian Temple in Chicago

• Designed the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago

• Died February 21, 1941, while continuing work on major church and housing projects.

Why This Story Matters:

Walter T. Bailey helped redefine what was possible for African American architects during an era when opportunities in the profession were severely limited. His career demonstrated that Black architects could lead major projects, direct large-scale construction, and shape the appearance of thriving communities. Bailey's buildings reflected more than technical skill; they represented economic independence, civic leadership, and cultural pride. Through his work at Tuskegee Institute, his private practice, and his commissions in Memphis and Chicago, he helped create spaces where education, business, worship, and community life could flourish. His success also challenged long-standing assumptions about who could design America's cities and institutions, opening professional doors for future generations of architects. 

Primary Sources Spotlight:

Walter T. Bailey and the Ida B. Wells Homes

These images offer a glimpse into Walter T. Bailey's work on the Ida B. Wells Homes, one of Chicago's major early public-housing developments. Two photographs from the October 16, 1940, issue of the Chicago Defender show Bailey and members of the architectural staff involved in preparing the project. At left, Leona Stafford, a receptionist; Walter T. Bailey; and Beverly Greene, who would become one of the first African American women licensed as an architect in the United States, examine a working model. The center photograph shows Bailey at work as a project architect. Together, the newspaper images document African American professionals participating directly in the creation of a major housing development intended to serve Chicago's growing Black population. The photograph at right provides a glimpse of life within the Ida B. Wells Homes community.

Legacy:

Walter T. Bailey's influence extends beyond the buildings he designed. He demonstrated that African American architects could lead complex projects at the highest professional level while helping shape institutions that strengthened Black communities. His work at Tuskegee Institute influenced one of the nation's most important educational campuses, while his later projects reflected the confidence and aspirations of Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood during its years of remarkable growth. Although some of his most celebrated buildings no longer stand, others—such as the First Church of Deliverance—continue to serve their communities and remind visitors of Bailey's innovative vision. Today, his career is recognized as a milestone in American architectural history and as an inspiration to architects who continue to expand opportunities within the profession. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Walter T. Bailey designed buildings that served churches, schools, businesses, and community organizations. What does this suggest about the role architecture can play in strengthening a community?

2. Why might it have been especially important for African American communities during the early twentieth century to finance and construct their own landmark buildings?

3. Bailey's career included both education at Tuskegee Institute and private architectural practice. How can professionals use their knowledge to create opportunities for others as well as themselves?

Reflection Prompt:

1. Walter T. Bailey built important institutions during a time when segregation and discrimination limited opportunities for African American professionals. How might buildings designed, financed, and used by Black communities have contributed to a sense of identity, pride, and possibility? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. Walter Bailey Bio.” Kewanee History. Website. 

2. “Walter T. Bailey.” University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, College of Fine and Applied Arts. Website. 

3. Walter T. Bailey and the Bronzeville Building.” Chicago History Museum. Website. 

4. “Walter T. Bailey’s National Pythian Temple Fragment, Chicago, Illinois.” Art Institute of Chicago. Website. 

5. “90 Years: First Church of Deliverance.” NBC Chicago. Website. 

6. “Walter T. Bailey, Architect.” The Chicago Defender. July 15, 1939. 

7. “Colored Masons Build Temple in Evanston.” Chicago Tribune. October 20, 1929. 

8. “Inspect Working Model.” The Chicago Defender. October 26, 1940. 

9. “Project Architect.” The Chicago Defender. October 26, 1940. 

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