In this issue:
· First-time AIA and Associate Members to Attend Convention Free
· Wicks Law Overhaul Increases Threshold
· Sweets Network Available on AIA’s Soloso
· Passing: David Todd, FAIA, FCSI

First-time AIA and Associate Members to Attend Convention Free
The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) will host the AIA National Convention and Exhibition, May 15-17, for the first time in 16 years. To encourage local designers to participate, the BSA invites first-time AIA and Associate AIA members who join by April 30 to attend the convention at no cost. Complimentary registration includes most continuing-education programs, expo education programs, general sessions, and business meetings. Download an application on the BSA website or contact Membership Director Karin Broadhurst via e-mail or call 617-951-1433 x228.

Wicks Law Overhaul Increases Threshold
New York lawmakers have reformed a decades-old law that drove up local property taxes by requiring state and local governments to pay for multiple construction contracts on most public works projects. Dating back to 1921, this is the first time Wicks Law has been adjusted for inflation since the 1960s. It required governments with construction projects valued at $50,000 or more to divide the job into several contracts. The law, which was intended to protect subcontractors from billing fraud, drove up construction costs, which were then passed on to taxpayers. The new threshold for triggering the law is $3 million in NYC, $1.5 million in downstate suburbs, and $500,000 in upstate New York. For more information go to the New York State Division of the Budget.

Sweets Network Available on AIA’s Soloso
McGraw-Hill Construction announced that information on 80,000 building products from its Sweets Network will be integrated directly into Soloso, the AIA’s online resource for solutions, products, and trends. AIA members will be able to link directly to detailed information, download product catalogs, CAD details, 3-D models, and specifications. McGraw-Hill Construction will provide AIA with regular updates as building product manufacturers change or add information on the Sweets Network.

Passing: David Todd, FAIA, FCSI
After a long career as an architect and landmark preservationist in New York, David F.M. Todd, FAIA, FCSI, passed away on March 31 at the age of 93.

Todd received his architectural degree at the University of Michigan and began a career in NY following his return from the Pacific after WWII, joining the firm of Harrison, Ballard & Allen. He became a name partner in 1957, first as Ballard, Todd & Snibbe, then Ballard Todd Associates, and finally sole name partner in 1967 when Ballard left to become head of the New York City Planning Commission.

Todd’s architectural work included a range of projects, from Manhattan Plaza (co-designed with Robert Cabrera), to the Polo Grounds Houses in upper Manhattan. He did extensive work for schools and universities, including the master plan for the State University of New York, and buildings for Princeton, SUNY New Paltz, Lehman College, and the Collegiate School.

Following his architectural career, he became the chairman of the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission where he sought to balance the competing interests of design, history, community, efficacy, fairness, and forward planning and development. He was closely involved in the designation of Manhattan’s Upper West Side as a historic district.

Todd was committed to public housing, and was a board and committee member of housing and community organizations throughout his life, including the Leake & Watts Children’s Home (Chairman, 1984-1988), the Settlement Housing Fund, West Side Day Nursery, St. Margaret’s House (Section 202 Housing for the Elderly), the Community Service Society, Community Planning Board Number 8, the West Side Day Nursery, and Exploring the Metropolis Foundation. He received the Andrew Thomas/Pioneer in Housing Award from AIANY in 1986.

Todd was also the AIANY Chapter President in 1969-70, during the time of the Vietnam War, the Chicago Convention, and campus uprisings, including striking architectural students at Columbia University. He met with them on campus, and organized a delegation to Washington to meet with top housing officials to press for more public housing.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, at 5 pm. Individuals interested in attending are invited to contact his son, Greg Todd, by e-mail, or call 212-246-5151.