Frederick Nicholas, MOCA & Disney Hall Lawyer, Dies

Frederick M. Nicholas, Los Angeles Cultural Visionary, Dies at 105

Los Angeles Mourns The loss Of Frederick M. Nicholas, a war hero, esteemed attorney, and influential real estate developer, passed away peacefully at his home. He was 105.

Nicholas, a transformative figure, considerably shaped Los Angeles’ cultural landscape through his instrumental roles in developing major landmarks and founding Public Counsel, the nation’s largest pro bono law firm. His legacy endures through the institutions he helped build and the lives he touched.

A Champion of Los Angeles Culture

Mr. Nicholas was deeply involved in the design and construction of iconic los Angeles landmarks, most notably the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Former Mayor Eric garcetti aptly stated,”Fred,we literally wouldn’t be L.A. without you,” underscoring Nicholas’ profound impact on the city’s identity and cultural vibrancy.

His passion for the arts ignited during his time at the University of Chicago Law School. A visit to an art gallery sparked an overwhelming recognition that would define much of his life’s work.

Key Roles in the Arts Community

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Nicholas blended his legal expertise with his newfound artistic passion. He represented artists and galleries while actively participating in visual arts classes. His commitment led to significant positions within the arts community:

• Chairman and Vice Chairman of MOCA (cumulative 11 years)
• Life Trustee of MOCA
• Instrumental in developing the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
• Chair of the Walt disney Hall Concert Committee

His nickname, “Mr. downtown Culture,” was well-earned, reflecting his leadership in transforming Los Angeles into a global cultural and architectural hub during the 1980s.

Acquiring the Panza Collection

A pivotal moment in Nicholas’ contribution to MOCA was his negotiation to acquire the Panza Collection from Giuseppe Panza of Varese, Italy. This acquisition, featuring works by luminaries like Mark Rothko and Franz Kline, now forms the core of MOCA’s permanent collection, enhancing its prestige and appeal to art enthusiasts worldwide.

Leadership in Public Service

Did You Know? Pro bono legal services have seen a significant increase in demand, with a 15% rise in cases handled by firms like public counsel in the past year alone.

Beyond his contributions to the arts, Nicholas was deeply committed to public service. Following a accomplished law career, he dedicated his efforts to pro bono work, driven by the belief that lawyers should assist those in need. In 1970, he founded Public Counsel, now the largest firm of its kind in the U.S., providing crucial legal support to vulnerable populations, including veterans and unhoused families. According to his son, Anthony Nicholas, Public Counsel stands as “his greatest legacy.”

According to the American Bar Association, pro bono hours have a value of over $290 per hour, showcasing the monumental impact of Public Counsel’s services.

A Life of service and Recognition

Born on May 30, 1920, in Brooklyn, N.Y., Nicholas’ journey took him to Los Angeles at the age of 14. his service in the Army from 1941 to 1946, marked a significant chapter in his life. As one of the oldest and most decorated World War II veterans,Nicholas often reflected on how his wartime experiences fueled his drive and ambition in his legal career.

his family remembers him fondly, with his son Anthony recalling his “beaming smile,” “great, great energy,” and the boundless love he shared. Nicholas is survived by his children Deborah, Jan, and Anthony, his daughter-in-law Mona, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his sister Helen Devor.

Frederick Nicholas: A timeline

Year	Event
1920	Born in Brooklyn, N.Y.
1941-1946	Served in the Army during World War II.
1970	Founded public Counsel.
1980s	Led Los Angeles’ cultural change.
1987	Chaired Walt Disney Hall Concert Committee.

The Enduring Impact of Cultural Development

Frederick Nicholas’ focus on cultural development in Los Angeles provides a lasting example of how strategic investment in the arts can revitalize a city and enhance its global standing. His work underscores the importance of preserving and promoting cultural institutions for future generations.

Pro Tip: Supporting local arts organizations through donations or volunteer work is a great way to honor Nicholas’ legacy.

Frequently asked Questions About Frederick M. Nicholas

• What was Frederick M. Nicholas known for?

  Frederick M. Nicholas was renowned for his role in shaping Los Angeles’ cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

• How did Frederick Nicholas contribute to MOCA?

  Nicholas served as MOCA’s chairman and vice chairman for 11 years and was instrumental in acquiring the Panza Collection, which forms the core of MOCA’s permanent collection.

• What is Public Counsel, and why is it significant to Frederick Nicholas’ legacy?

  Public Counsel, founded by Nicholas, is the largest pro bono law firm in the U.S.,providing legal support to vulnerable populations,making it a significant part of his legacy.

• What role did frederick Nicholas play in the development of Walt Disney Concert Hall?

  Nicholas chaired the Walt Disney Hall Concert Committee, overseeing the selection of frank Gehry as the architect, fundraising efforts, and overall planning of the project.

• When did Frederick M. Nicholas discover his passion for the arts?

  Frederick Nicholas discovered his love for the arts while attending law school at the University of chicago, where he first encountered an art gallery.

• What was Frederick Nicholas’ contribution to Los Angeles?

  Frederick Nicholas helped transform Los angeles into a global cultural and architectural powerhouse, earning him the nickname “mr. Downtown Culture.”

What aspects of Frederick Nicholas’ life and work do you find most inspiring? How can communities today emulate his dedication to culture and service?

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Remembering Frederick Nicholas: The Architect of Los Angeles Arts and Downtown Legacy

The world of art and law has lost a critically important figure. Frederick M. Nicholas, often hailed as “Mr. Downtown Culture,” passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of building institutions and shaping the cultural landscape of Los Angeles. This article delves into the life and accomplishments of this multifaceted individual, exploring his profound impact on the city’s artistic and legal spheres. We will focus on Nicholas’s significant contributions to the arts, his influence on Los Angeles’s architecture through his legal career, and his deep commitment to public service.

Frederick Nicholas: The Man Behind the Monuments

Frederick M. Nicholas was not just a lawyer; he was a visionary.His contribution to key landmarks of Los Angeles is immense. His legal acumen and real estate involvement were instrumental in the realization of iconic structures that are central to Los Angeles’s identity and culture. Those projects include:

• Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Nicholas played a pivotal role in establishing MOCA, which continues to be a prominent art institution and a significant center for contemporary artistic endeavors.
• The Geffen contemporary at MOCA: instrumental in the expansion of the Museum of Contemporary Art, providing a crucial space.
• Walt Disney concert Hall: Supported this architectural marvel that houses the Los Angeles philharmonic and provides the city with one of the best concert experiences in the U.S.

beyond these landmark projects, nicholas was heavily involved in public interest law, demonstrating his commitment to social justice. He recognized the power of law to drive social change and worked tirelessly to serve the underserved.

The Lawyer’s Touch: Real Estate, Law, and the Arts

How did a lawyer become so intertwined with the arts? Frederick Nicholas distinguished himself by combining a prosperous legal practice with strategic real estate ventures. This unique blend allowed him to facilitate art projects and support cultural initiatives in the city. He knew the art world, the legal world, and the real estate world: a powerful combination.

A legacy of Service: Public counsel and Beyond

Beyond museums and concert halls, Frederick Nicholas profoundly impacted the legal world. He played a crucial role in the founding of Public Counsel, an organization that has become the largest public interest law firm in the United states. His commitment to public service and his work in establishing Public Counsel is a testament to Nicholas’s deeply held values and his desire to improve society.

Public Counsel: The Foundation of a Legacy

Public Counsel has, under Nicholas’s guidance and vision, provided legal services to those most in need. Key aspects include:

• Pro Bono Work: Providing free legal assistance to individuals and organizations.
• Advocacy: Fighting for critically important causes, ranging from civil rights to environmental concerns.
• Impact: numerous achievements benefiting communities and society.

this illustrates his belief in using the legal system as a tool for social justice,leaving a profound impact on the city and state.

Remembering “Mr. Downtown Culture”: A Call to Memory

Frederick Nicholas’s absence will be felt deeply across the artistic, business, and legal communities in Los Angeles. His legacy serves as an inspiration. His ability to bridge art, law, and real estate is unique and his cultural footprint will continue to impact generations. He was a champion of the arts in Los Angeles, and his work will always be remembered.

Impact Area	Key Contribution
Art	Driving force on building MOCA institutions
Business	Real Estate partnerships to build arts.
Law	Founding of Public counsel, championing pro bono work