Christopher Robert Borchardt

Christopher Robert Borchardt, a resident of Cortlandt Manor, NY, passed away on September 19, 2026. He was 62 years old. Chris was born on March 3, 1964, in Milwaukee, WI, to Robert and Audre (Jankowski) Borchardt. He worked as a local architect under the name CBDB Architecture.

Chris grew up in Wisconsin in a loving family with four sisters. He attended University of Minnesota before transferring to the University of Houston, where he received his degree in Architecture. From childhood, Chris always knew he would be an architect and graduated third in his class. He met his wife Debra during college when he was 20 and they married three years later. During his time in Houston, Chris helped create and build Curtains Theatre. On a trip to New York City to visit a former professor and classmate, he was offered a job, and went on an adventure to live in Manhattan. He worked for some of the top architecture firms, including Kliment & Halsband and Polshek and Partners.

During his time in the city, Chris also had a hand in creating Theatre on Three, a small loft theatre on 19th Street, continuing his joy of creating theatre spaces and developing long friendships in the theatre community. Chris and Debra continued their adventures by moving to Cortlandt Manor, specifically the community of Lake Woodrock. He relished being a Lake Woodrocker and built the canoe dock for the lake as well as convincing others to join him in a Pumpkin Chunkin contest in the fall. The Lake Woodrock years included renovating a small cottage and creating a new human, their son Max. Max is his pride & joy, and he is so proud of him. He loved him without reservation and wept when we dropped him off at his dorm room. He was secretly thrilled to have him back during the pandemic.

Chris began working on his own when he established CBDB Architecture and was instrumental in the renovation of Dramatic Hall in Peekskill - yet another theatre project. He also had a hand in renovations at Assumption Church, among many more projects in the area. Chris’ passion was historical restorations and sustainable building.

He loved music and was a huge fan of Genesis (with Peter Gabriel -IYKYK), The Cure, and Gorillaz to name a few. He loved his big truck, riding his bike, and building things. He loved Chewbacca from Star Wars, the Incredible Hulk and anything Yeti-related. He watched every alien show on cable. He was a die-hard Knicks fan (and not only when they won). Thankfully, he was able to see them win a championship. His latest passion was creating artful lamps using elements of nature.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debra Borchardt and his son Max — along with his big goofball dog, Otto, who won't stop looking for him. His mother, Audre Borchardt and his sister Rita Schultz and her husband Mark Schultz. His sister Betty Sorenson and her husband Mike Sorenson. His nephews and nieces, Chris and Kevin Donahue, and Charlie and Lorraine Kissinger. Along with Cary & Stephanie Schultz and Philip Sorenson.

He was predeceased by his father Robert Borchardt and his beloved sisters Mary Donahue and Angie Kissinger. He missed them all tremendously, and they are now reunited.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to WFUV public radio. Chris listened to FUV all day and night and was a sustaining member.