Charles Francis Merz

Charlie was born Karl Franz Merz on March 16, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois of German immigrant parents Joseph and Kryszenzia (Centa) Heel Merz. His father was a master tailor and ran a tailor shop in and around the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Charlie often told stories of growing up with extended German family and friends who spoke Yiddish and German at home and in the tailor shop and was extremely proud of his German heritage.

Charlie was the youngest of three boys, baby brother to William and Joseph, and often referred to his older brother Joe, nine years his senior, who looked after him, as Momma Joe. Charlie fondly remembered his adventures with neighborhood kids, fishing in Lake Michigan and running around the fire escapes of his third-story flat with fellow St. Mary’s of the Lake classmates and neighbors.

Charlie was shaped by his time at Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, WI. He gained work experience and got his first introduction to architecture as a draftsman for Sommer & Katis in Chicago during the summers. He then moved to Detroit to attend the University of Detroit where he met Julie Williams, and married. He eventually graduated with a BFA from Wayne State University in Detroit and got his masters in painting, also from Wayne State, and his master’s in architecture from the Cranbrook Academy of Art where he also worked on printmaking and photography.

He was asked to join the faculty at the University of Detroit School of Architecture by mentor Bruno Leon. He taught Architecture Design & Visual Communications classes among others. One of his former students said that Charlie brought out the best in his students through his knowledge, graphic skills, and engaging personality.

As a partner in a startup design firm alongside David Schervish and Stephen Vogel, Schervish Vogel Merz, Charlie and his team worked closely with former Mayor Coleman Young’s administration to develop the groundbreaking Linked Riverfront Parks Project, which laid the vital early seeds for the modern transformation of Detroit's riverfront, starting with major initiatives like Chene Park, now known as the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater.

Other big projects with SVM included: Grand Circus Park, Belle Isle Arts Center, Grayhaven: A Marina Village, The Lofts at Rivertown, and Mt. Elliot Park and Interpretive Center.

In the 1990’s he started his own firm, Merz and Associates, and he continued work in and around Detroit. About twenty-five years ago, Charlie helped bring to fruition the Labor Legacy Landmark on the downtown Detroit riverfront. It stands as a permanent salute to the working class.

Another point of pride for Charlie was the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument in Lansing, Michigan designed by Allan Gordon, and on which he served as the Monument Design Chair.

In more recent years he spoke often of his work on the historic restoration and preservation of the James Scott Mansion, and the redesign of Detroit’s historic Central High School. He also worked hard to aid the effort to restore the Broadhead Armory’s WPA murals.

Some of his greatest joy came from championing the City of Detroit, sharing a passion for architecture with his students and family, building things with and for his kids and grandkids, sailing with his friend and neighbor Sam, and traveling with his daughters. He very much valued education and lifelong learning and was proud to say he passed this value on to his children.

He will be remembered for his gift as a conversationalist and storyteller, his strong political views, his love of reading and making art, and his amazing talent for giving unique, thoughtful gifts, wrapped beautifully.

Charlie's legacy will remind us to “make no little plans.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph, his mother, Centa, and his brothers Bill and Joe Merz.

He is survived by his daughters: Hannah Reimer (husband Mathew Reimer) of Milwaukee, WI; Nora Cikanek (husband Cody Cikanek) of Harrison Township, MI; and Martha Connors (husband Dan Connors) of Fort Collins, CO; as well as his grandchildren: James and Louise Reimer, and Rosie and Peggy Connors.

A memorial service will be held in March of 2027. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the scholarship fund in his name. Memorial contribution may be made to the University of Detroit Mercy Detroit Legacy Masters in Community Development Scholarship Fund.

University of Detroit

4001 W. McNichols

Detroit MI 48221