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As a teacher, architect, and planner, Franklin Setzer had a significant impact on the quality of life in Birmingham and Alabama through his work with Auburn University architecture students, non-profits and volunteer organizations.
His focus on community and housing was demonstrated by his work as a board member of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, and as a founding member of” The Tuesday Group, YourTown Alabama and Birmingham Affordable Rental Communities. He was also an active member of St Mary’s Episcopal Church and Alabama Cursillo.
Mr. Setzer joined the Auburn University faculty, and in 1991, he founded the Auburn Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham as a teaching venue for the School of Architecture, Design and Construction.
In the program, fourth-year and thesis students pursue design and professional practice and engage in community projects. In particular, the design studio and professional practice offer numerous opportunities for interaction with the City of Birmingham and practicing architects, landscape architects and planners during project orientation, critiques and reviews.
Prior to coming to Birmingham, Professor Setzer worked in Houston, Milwaukee and Tampa. In Houston, he was a visiting critic with the University of Houston and Rice University, and worked with the Rice Center for Community Design and Research. In the mid ‘70s, Mr. Setzer was a consultant to the Milwaukee Department of City Development, working on the Summerfest Project. In the mid ‘80s, he was Director of Urban Design and Educational Programs of the Tampa-based Florida Center for Urban Design & Research. He established private practices in Milwaukee and Tampa.
He held a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Florida, and a master's degree in urban design architecture from Rice University. He was a veteran of the Army, where he reached the rank of captain.
Mr. Setzer died on May 23, 2001 at the age of 52.
