Schuchardt, William H. (William Herbert Schuchardt), 1874-1958
Biography
William H. Schuchardt (1874–1958) was an urban planner and civic designer originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Early in his career, he developed the Garden Homes District in Milwaukee—the first publicly funded community housing project in the United States—setting a national precedent for planned, affordable housing. Schuchardt later relocated to Southern California, where he became an influential figure in mid-20th century urban development, contributing to zoning, transportation, housing, and regional planning initiatives across Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast.
His work reflects postwar concerns with suburban expansion, infrastructure, and equitable public access. In addition to his professional contributions, Schuchardt was also a collector of prints and artwork, reflecting a sustained interest in the visual culture and aesthetics of the built environment.
Schuchardt was a Trustee of Occidental College from 1942-1948. He served as Chairman of the Committee on Buildings and Grounds
