In the heart of downtown Lawrence, a quiet alley has been transformed into a living tribute to a man whose legacy extends far beyond bricks and mortar. But here’s where it gets emotional—this isn’t just any garden; it’s a heartfelt homage to Jackson Clark, a beloved architect whose passion for design and nature left an indelible mark on those who knew him. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the plants; it’s about the stories, relationships, and values that bloom alongside them.
When the last tree standing behind the former Gould Evans architecture firm (now Multistudio, located at 706 Massachusetts St.) withered away, the team saw an opportunity to honor their late colleague. Jackson Clark, who had dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to Gould Evans before retiring a decade prior, passed away at 76 in April 2024. His memory now lives on in a garden designed by Robert Whitman, a landscape architect at Multistudio and a longtime friend of Clark’s. The space features a carefully curated selection of plants, including Blue grama grass, Montrose White calamint, and Baptisia ‘American Goldfinch,’ each chosen to reflect Clark’s love for nature and design.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while Clark was widely respected for his architectural expertise, some might argue that his true genius lay in his ability to connect with people. Whitman recalls, ‘Everyone in the office knew how much Jackson adored landscaping. He was an architect, but his heart was in gardens and trees. He even helped measure champion trees in his free time.’ This dual passion for structure and nature made Clark a unique figure, bridging the gap between the built and natural worlds.
Clark’s wife of 35 years, Brigid Murphy, was deeply moved by the outpouring of affection following his passing. ‘So many people told me he was their closest friend,’ she shared. ‘I always thought he could be a bit curmudgeonly, and I know some at Gould Evans found him intimidating. But to see how much he was appreciated—it’s truly gratifying.’ A plaque above the garden honors him as a ‘colleague, mentor, and friend,’ a testament to his multifaceted impact.
John Wilkins, a principal at Multistudio, first met Clark as a freshman at the University of Kansas in 1980. Despite their age difference, they became fast friends and later colleagues at Gould Evans in 1985. ‘Jackson was a mentor to so many,’ Wilkins reflected. ‘He had the maturity of someone beyond his years but was still one of us. He was a real renaissance man.’ Clark’s expertise extended to building science, where he championed energy efficiency and indoor air quality, believing that buildings should be both beautiful and functional.
And this is the part most people miss—Clark’s legacy isn’t just in the structures he designed or the gardens he admired; it’s in the lives he touched. His integrity, passion, and mentorship continue to inspire those who knew him. Earlier this month, close friends and colleagues gathered for a private reception to celebrate the garden’s completion. Now, staff members pass by daily, greeted by a vibrant reminder of Clark’s spirit, while passersby are invited to enjoy the seasonal blooms of fall, spring, and summer.
This garden isn’t just a memorial; it’s a conversation starter. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a world that often prioritizes speed and efficiency, how can we better honor the quiet, enduring legacies of those who shape our communities? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep Jackson Clark’s spirit alive through dialogue and reflection.
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