Architect and Planner Robert B. Kramer Passes Away at 67
Creator of New Urbanism Community Leaves Behind Legacy
Submitted on 08/29/2011. Tags for this image:In the 1970′s, Robert “Bob” B. Kramer, alongside Matthew Kaske and the Fleeman family, established a New Urbanism community in Gainesville, Florida. Rather than designing a typical suburban neighborhood out of the 1,700 acres of land, Kramer and his partners created miles of walking and biking trails, green space, and a village center burgeoning with retail shops and restaurants—a paradigm of smart, livable design. The place was called Haile Plantation and is an enduring testament to the power of Kramer's work and his commitment to New Urbanist principles.
Sadly, Kramer passed away on August 25th, 2011 at the age of 67. We honor Kramer's life and work and keep our thoughts with his family.
The following obituary comes from Fairlawn Mortuary:
Kramer, 67, of Fairhaven and Gainesville, Florida, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich following a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Shirley (Icenhour) Kramer with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Harrisburg, PA, a son of Barbara (Gustin) Kramer and the late John Kramer, he maintained a home in Gainesville for 27 years and summered in Fairhaven for the past 7 years.
Mr. Kramer was the visionary and founding father of Haile Plantation. As town planner and developer, Bob created the residential community and the Haile Village Center.
Bob was a talented architect, artist and painter who enjoyed being in the company of his loving family.
Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Robert John Kramer and his wife Carol Anne, David Matthew Kramer and his wife Megan and Kimberley Ann Kramer; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Grace, Trey, Robert and Sadie; his brother, Jack Kramer, his wife Kay, and their three children.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 10am in St. Joseph's Church, 74 Spring St., Fairhaven. Arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn.
Photo: Bob Kramer leads a tour during CNU X. Photo courtesy of Stephen Lawton.