Bio:

Architect Golden Joseph Zenon Jr. grew up in Abbeville, La., where he worked in cotton fields. A talent for mechanical drawing led Zenon to study architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After he graduated in 1955, he worked as a designer at Leo A. Daly Co. in Omaha and as an architect with Dana Larson Roubal and Associates. In 1976, Zenon established Zenon Beringer & Associates with architect David Beringer. Their company, now called BCDM Architects, continues in business today. Zenon retired in the mid-1990s. Zenon’s work include the Swanson Branch of the Omaha Public Library, the performing arts building at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. His work earned him local and national recognition, and in 1986 he was named a member of the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows. At the time, he was one of only 10 Nebraskans to have received that distinction.

 

Object:

Object Four - Public service, government, industry, or organization

 

Year of Elevation: 

1986

 

Featured Project Name: 

Strauss Performing Arts Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Omaha, Nebraska

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

1973

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The Willis A. and Janet S. Strauss Performing Arts Center, home to the School of Music, boasts a tunable recital hall with seating for 460, a Casavant Organ and a Steinway Concert Grand D piano, impressive acoustic isolation, large rehearsal rooms, a listening library and ample practice rooms for music students. Strauss is a nexus of musical activity, hosting more than 200 concerts, festivals and masterclasses each semester.

 

Photography Credit:

Jeff Barnes

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal Architect

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Featured Project Description:

In 1976, Golden Zenon and Dave Beringer founded Zenon Beringer & Associates (ZBA). The two took their previous experience in educational design to create a firm that focused on educational environments. ZBA was one of the first established African-American firms in Omaha. His work earned him local and national recognition, and in 1986 he was named a member of the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows. At the time, he was one of only 10 Nebraskans to have received that distinction.

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Photography Credit:

N/A

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