By 1812Blockhouse
Throughout its history, Richland County has produced or been the home to a wide variety of individuals that have made important contributions to the world. 1812Blockhouse shares their stories in a series we call “Richland Roots.” For other Richland Roots stories, click here.
Paul Douglass Gilger, born on October 13, 1954 in Mansfield, has carved out an extraordinary career that spans architecture, set design, and playwriting. His journey from Richland County to the global stage is a testament to his diverse talents and dedication.
Mansfield Beginnings
Growing up in Mansfield, Gilger’s passion for theater took root early. The local community theater became a second home, offering him a sense of belonging and an introduction to the world of set design. His involvement in these productions laid the foundation for a unique career that would later blend architecture with theatrical creativity.
From 1975 to 1981, he served as the set designer and associate producer of the Miss Ohio Pageant. This role allowed him to merge his architectural skills with his passion for theatrical design, setting the stage for his diverse career.
Architectural Achievements
Gilger’s formal education began at the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1978 from the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. He also studied theatrical set design at the College-Conservatory of Music, a dual focus that would define his professional path.
One of Gilger’s early significant projects was the Industrial Light and Magic Film Studio in San Rafael, California, completed in 1991. This project for George Lucas’s renowned film studio highlighted his ability to blend functional architectural design with creative innovation.
His architectural prowess extended globally with contributions to the conceptual designs for the Disney/MGM Film Studios in Tokyo, Japan, in 1989. In California, he transformed the 1894 Del Monte Cannery Building in Santa Rosa into the 6th Street Playhouse in 2005 and designed the Edgewater residence in Mill Valley in 2003 (photo below). Other notable projects include the $100 million Park Lane Village Square in Santa Rosa and the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, completed in 2010. Since 2011, he has been the facility designer for the Safari West Wildlife Animal Preserve.
Theatrical Set Design
Gilger’s theatrical set design career is as illustrious as his architectural achievements. Working with Nomad Productions Scenic Studios, he designed concert touring sets for iconic artists such as Madonna, Kenny Loggins, Crosby Stills & Nash, Carlos Santana, Alabama, Dio, and Petra. His talent for creating immersive stage environments was further showcased in stage sets for Whoopi Goldberg and Anthony Newley, including the 1983 musical Chaplin.
Playwriting and Beyond
In 2003, Gilger conceived the off-Broadway Jerry Herman musical revue Showtune. This accomplishment added another dimension to his multifaceted career, showcasing his talent in playwriting.
Beyond architecture and theater, Gilger has made significant contributions to historical preservation. As the chair of the Lincoln Highway Association National Mapping Committee, he completed the cartography of the entire Lincoln Highway, creating the online Official Map of the Lincoln Highway in 2012.
Gilger’s influence even extends into popular culture, with his name being used for a character in the Japanese manga series Bleach, where “Nnoitra Gilga” pays homage to both Richard Neutra and Paul Gilger.
Today, Paul Gilger resides in Santa Rosa, California, owning Paul Gilger Designs and continuing to specialize in both residential and theatrical projects. His journey from Mansfield to global recognition reflects his dedication to his crafts and his ability to inspire through diverse and impactful work.
Sources below; Image: Creative Commons License
- “Paul Gilger – Wikipedia.” Wikipedia.
- “Santa Rosa Paul Gilger – Hedgpeth Architects.” Hedgpeth Architects.
- “All the world is their stage Actors Theatre, SR Players under one roof.” Press Democrat.
- “Paul Gilger – Anderson Hedgpeth Architecture & Planning – LinkedIn.” LinkedIn.
- “Article clipped from News Journal.” Newspapers.com.
- “Paul Gilger | Music Theatre International.” Music Theatre International.
- “University of Cincinnati alum Paul Gilger shares an eclectic and notable architecture career.” University of Cincinnati Magazine.
