Richard Nickel

Richard Nickel was an American photographer and preservationist known for documenting and advocating for Chicago’s architectural heritage. He dedicated his life to photographing historic buildings, especially those designed by famous architects like Louis Sullivan, before they were demolished. Nickel believed these structures were vital cultural and artistic symbols worth saving. Tragically, he died while trying to rescue valuable architectural details during a building demolition. His work raised awareness about the importance of architectural preservation and continues to inspire efforts to protect historic architecture today.