Linn A. Forrest

Who is Linn A. Forrest?

Linn Argyle Forrest, Sr. was an American architect of Juneau, Alaska who worked to restore "authentic Southeast Alaska Native architecture, especially totem poles". During the 1930s he oversaw Civilian Conservation Corps programs to preserve totem poles and other aspects of traditional, native architecture. In conjunction with a $24,000 U.S. grant to the Alaska Native Brotherhood as a CCC project, Forrest oversaw the construction of the Shakes Island Community House and totems at Wrangell, Alaska during 1937-1939. Drawing on this experience, he later authored The Wolf and the Raven: Totem Poles of Southeastern Alaska which went through 20 editions.

He designed the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, the Juneau Federal Building and, with Harold Foss, also designed the nearby Chapel by the Lake. The Elvey Building, on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, was also designed by Forrest.

Forrest came to Alaska after working in the 1930s in Oregon, where he was the lead exterior designer of Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.