Service for architect Hank Browne set for Saturday in Charlottesville

Above, Browne, in a profile in 2004, and below, in a story in 2009 while on the Preservation Board, as he railed against ugly island signage at the beach streets at a meeting.

A funeral will be held in Charlottesville this weekend for Hank Browne, a noted American architect who served Boca Grande on its Historic Preservation Board. He died Nov. 26, 2025. He was 93.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, followed by a celebration of life at Farmington Country Club.

Browne was a founder of Grigg, Wood & Browne Architects. His work included Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion and preservation planning for the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, among hundreds of projects over a 70-year career.

The firm was known for its work with Monticello. In Boca Grande, Browne worked on projects including Hotel H, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Gasparilla Adventures building, as well as numerous private residences.