Architect John Benya to be focus of presentation at History Museum on Jan. 22

QUINCY — The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County will host a presentation on John Benya titled “Benya: Master of Midcentury” by architect Tony Crane at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at the History Museum on the square, 332 Maine. Original architectural drawings, photographs and exhibits will be part of Crane’s presentation.

Benya, a Quincy architect whose career spanned four decades, was a proponent of the midcentury modern style. He designed more than 500 buildings in the U.S., including St. Boniface Church at 117 N. Seventh, named by the Illinois Association of Architects as one of Illinois’ 150 most important structures, and the ultra-modernistic Quincy Regional Airport, which features circular patterns and distinctive blue glass skylights.

Crane, past principal partner and officer in the architectural-engineering firm of Architechnics, Inc., of Quincy, worked closely with Benya many years ago. Now semi-retired, Crane currently practices as an architectural consultant. He has been involved in the building design and development for numerous local projects and in selected parts of the country.

Architechnics, Inc. of Quincy is sponsoring the program, which is free and open to the public.