Education

William studies architectural engineering at the University of Southern California from 1916 through 1919. This photograph shows the campus at the time Williams attends classes at USC.

Designs Commercial Building

In the March 30 issue of Los Angeles Builder and Contractor (later known as Southwest Builder and Contractor), Williams is listed as the designer for a two-story commercial building on South Los Angeles Street. Louis M. Blodgett, a successful African American millionaire, is the builder. Paul Williams later builds both of Blodgett's homes in 1922 and 1953.

Old Folks' Home

Southwest Builder and Contractor, September 23, 1916

"Oliver O. Boyd has signed a contract at $4270 for erecting a 2-story frame building...for the Western Baptist Assn. of Southern California. The building is designed for occupancy as an old folks' home and will contain sleeping rooms, dining room, kitchen, chapel, etc...Plans by Paul R. Williams, 1530 E. Twenty-first St."

This is one of the earliest mention of Paul R. Williams in Southwest Builder and Contractor. AIA Southern California Chapter selects this publication as its magazine of record in 1921.

Along the Color Line

The Crisis, March 1916

"The People's Auditorium is to be erected in Los Angeles, Cal., at a cost of $35,000, by Negro citizens. Mr. Paul Williams, a young Negro architect, planned the structure."