Fritz Woehle

Fritz Woehle, 88, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away peacefully December 7, 2017. He was preceeded in death by his parents Max and Alma Woehle and his three brothers, Max Woehle, Bill Woehle, and Rich Woehle. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynn L Woehle; his children, Lee, Fritz (Alane), and Kay; and grandson Dietz — as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family & friends. Fritz was born in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, and relocated to Delray Beach Florida at the age of 10. He received his degree in Architecture from the University of Florida, then served his country as a U.S. Marine. In 1958, he moved to Birmingham to build the first of his many great designs in the Birmingham area — The Pilgrim Congregational Church, known fondly know the “Blue Roof.” One of his next projects was his personal residence — which was named by Architectural Record as a Record House of 1964. He created many more architectural beauties — both commercial and residential — that won awards, and were featured in major publications. Fritz was actively involved in professional and civic organizations. He served the Birmingham Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in multiple capacities — including President in 1967. He served as the Vice President of the Birmingham Botanical Society, at which time he procured the Tea House from the Japanese Pavillon of the New York World’s Fair, then managed its transfer and re-erection at Birmingham’s Japanese Garden. He served on the boards of the Birmingham Museum of Art, The Birmingham Art Association, and The Birmingham Children’s Theater. He was the Chairman of the Sidewalk Art Show multiple times. He also served as the Alabama State Representative on the American Craftsman’s Council, was a Member of the Executive Committee of Operation New Birmingham, taught at the Red Mountain School, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Men’s Committee of the Birmingham Symphony — and worked hard to save the Birmingham Terminal Station. He served on the Mountain Brook Planning commission and the AIA Design Committee — where he received institute honors and served as the Chairman in 1972. In 1975, he was the first architect from Alabama to receive the prestigious honor as a Fellow of the AIA. In the mid 1970s, he purchased The Garage on Southside — which became home to many new small businesses, including Charlemagne Record Exchange, La Cocina, Cather & Brown Books, Frank Fleming’s studio, The Sundown Cinema, and numerous others. GQ cited The Garage as one of 10 Bars In The World Worth Flying To; Garden and Gun featured it, with a picture of Fritz, in its first issue. The legendary ambience he created in the courtyard is like no other in Birmingham. There will be a private burial at Elmwood. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity. We also would like to thank Comfort Care Hospice and Amada — especially Keke, Sheena and Katara.