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Architect of academy’s Cadet Chapel dies

Pioneering architect Walter Netsch Jr., the designer of the Air Force Academy chapel, died June 15 at the age of 88 in his Chicago home.

The chapel, dominated by 17 spires that look almost like fighter jets zooming into the Colorado sky, was controversial when it opened in 1963, but has since become a symbol of the academy.

Netsch’s modern design — inspired by the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris — has become one of Colorado’s most recognizable structures. Last year, it was named the 51st most popular U.S. building by the American Institute of Architects.

The Air Force asked Netsch, who had served in the Army Corps of Engineers, to design the chapel as he established himself as one of Chicago’s elite architects. A few years before, he designed the 19-story Inland Steel Building, whose stainless steel exterior has inspired buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum in Spain.

Netsch’s other prominent projects include the University of Illinois-Chicago campus and the Northwestern University library.

Air Force academy officials have no plans at the present time to commemorate Netsch, academy spokesman Meade Warthen said.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Clark Netsch.