Remembering 2017 Medalist Richard Jenrette

May 04, 2018

On April 22, Richard H. Jenrette, philanthropist, respected Wall Street leader, and GCA medalist passed away at age 89 after a long illness.  In 2017, he received the GCA’s Historic Preservation Medal, awarded for outstanding work in the field of preservation and/or restoration of historic gardens or buildings of national importance.

Jenrette had an exemplary national record as a preservationist, and his story was one of a lifelong passion to save and meticulously preserve and restore houses and gardens, started as a hobby while he pursued a distinguished Wall Street career.  Over 46 years, Jenrette owned and restored a dozen historic houses, most dating from the early nineteenth century. He also played a key leadership role in the revitalization of Charleston, South Carolina. Jenrette passed away at Roper House in Charleston, one of the properties he restored.

In the 12 historic homes, careful attention to restoration of the exteriors carried over to the interiors and a commitment to researching and furnishing the houses with period pieces, often by acquiring objects original to each of the houses.

The houses were preserved by Classical American Homes Preservation Trust (CAHPT), a 501(c)(3) educational organization founded by Jenrette in 1993.  The goal of CAHPT is to preserve, protect and open to the public examples of classical American architecture, surrounding landscapes and scenic trails, as well as the decorative arts from the first half of the nineteenth century. Many of the properties are open to the public for tours, with special events bringing them to life. Each has an educational mission, helping to teach the history of their communities, the aspirations of those who built them and the heritage of America.  Roper House and Millford Plantation have National Historic Landmark designation, and the other four houses are on the National Register of Historic Places.

From the late 1960s, Jenrette played an important role in initiating and sustaining the rejuvenation of Charleston, providing leadership and resources to completely rebuild an aging Pre-Civil War hotel.  The Mills House Hotel, completed in 1970, was one of the first examples of the value of quality preservation in the city. Later, Jenrette partnered with Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., on preservation projects at the College of Charleston.  Jenrette provided significant leadership and financial support to Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), considered by many to be the most important and successful U.S. preservation institution.

On Wall Street, Jenrette served as chairman of the board of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc., from 1974-96, having been a founder of the firm in 1959.  He also is former chairman of the board and chief executive officer of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Described by The New York Times as “the last gentleman on Wall Street,” Jenrette’s career has included service on numerous corporate boards of directors and philanthropic groups.

Jenrette was a former trustee of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and was founding chairman of its National Council, recruiting civic and corporate leaders and philanthropists to support the National Trust and preservation projects across the country. He received the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award in 1996, the National Trust’s highest honor, and the Hadrian Award from the World Monuments Fund in 1998.

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