Karl Fischer (architect)

Karl Fischer is an architect with practices in Montreal, Canada and New York City.

Career and firm

A graduate of McGill University, with both Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1971) and Bachelor of Architecture (1972) degrees, Fischer established his Canadian practice in 1984. An office in New York City was established in 1999. Fischer is licensed in both Canada and the United States.

Fischer and his wife Pamela have funded the CA$2,000 Karl Fischer Scholarship at McGill University, for students who have "...demonstrated excellence in the development of pragmatic solutions to architectural problems."

Works

Completed

• Gretsch Building (2003) – Conversion of a former Gretsch Musical Instruments factory into 130 luxury condominium units (60 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn).
• 20, 30 & 50 Bayard Street (2005–07) – Locally known as "Karl Fischer Row" or "Hot Karl Row", these multifamily buildings in Williamsburg, Brooklyn rise high over the southern edge of McCarren Park. 20 Bayard is a new 17 story building with 56 units, 30 Bayard is a new 12 story building with 40 units, and 50 Bayard is a 4 story renovation and 6 story addition with 70 units.
• Park Plaza (2002) – New $40-million, six-building development at 523 Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 182 apartment units, designed for Hasidic residents.
• The Powerhouse (2005–07) – Residential conversion and 4 story addition to a former Pennsylvania Railroad power station in Long Island City, Queens.
• Schaffer Landing (2005) – New 350 unit, 530,000-square-foot (49,000 m2) residential development on the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, comprising one 25-story tower and one 15-story tower.

Works in progress

• 100 Luquer Street – new 11-story residential building in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
• 100 Parkside Avenue – new 270-unit mixed condo/rental building in Prospect Park South, Brooklyn on the site of the former Caledonian Hospital.
• Tom Condos, Montreal

• ^ Bahney, Anna (2005-03-20), "Williamsburg Reinvented", The New York Times 
• Garbarine, Rachelle (2003-05-16), "Residential Real Estate; More Condominiums Take Shape in Williamsburg", New York Times 
• Oser, Alan S. (2002-04-28), "Williamsburg: More Housing, Higher Prices", New York Times 
• Vandam, Jeff (2005-02-06), "A Famed Skyline Fixture, Standing Tall Another Day", The New York Times 
• Rubinstein, Dana (2011-04-25). "Condo Project Comes Alive". The Wall Street Journal.