2 minute read
Kurt Zimmerli
Building a Legacy
In Spartanburg, SC, the name Zimmerli is known by most, whether they realize it or not. Countless buildings, parks, auditoriums, and several other projects in the city either share the name or are affiliated with it. Mention of the name usually sparks a conversation gushing with adoration and gratitude. Kurt Zimmerli not only built a life in Spartanburg, but he built a legacy.
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Kurt and Nelly Zimmerli moved to the United States from Switzerland in 1956. Zimmerli did not know English at the time but quickly learned and was able to utilize his degree in Mechanical Engineering, working for several firms in the Northeast before moving to Spartanburg in 1969. There he was successful in founding Zima Corporation in 1969, which became the largest textile and carpet wet-processing sales firm in the U.S. as well as Küsters Corporation in 1974.
The Zimmerlis became involved in the Spartanburg community right away. Former mayor Bill Barnet described their widespread philanthropy with admiration and respect.
“Their generosity of both spirit and resources is evident across the face of Spartanburg... all are examples of willingly given aesthetic assets we all can share.”
City-wide projects include the amphitheatre and splash fountain in Barnet Park, Chapman Cultural Center, and numerous parks and spots of natural beauty. Additionally, Zimmerli served as chairman of both the Finance Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee at Converse College (now Converse University), leading several beautification projects across campus, including the design and construction of the Phifer Science Hall, Milliken Fine Arts Building, and the Weisiger Center at the Sally Abney Rose Physical Activity Complex. During this time, he also held a position on Converse’s Board of Trustees, until he was named a Life Trustee in 2004.
Zimmerli was well known for being an avid supporter of the arts in Spartanburg. He especially loved music. Kurt and Nelly were regular patrons of the Philharmonic when he joined the Spartanburg Philharmonic Board of Directors in the 80s. Additionally, they frequently attended the Carlos Moseley Chamber Music Series at Converse, funded endowed scholarships for students in the Petrie School of Music, provided funds for instrument repairs, and provided Steinway pianos that would eventually earn the school the prestigious title of an All-Steinway School.
Kurt and Nelly’s most recent contribution to their community was the renovation of Twichell Auditorium at Converse in 2019. He led the first renovation in 1989, but this time the couple’s generous lead donation funded a $3.5 million renovation. To honor their support, the facility that houses Twichell Auditorium was renamed Zimmerli Performance Center. The Spartanburg Philharmonic Classics Series, which takes place in Twichell, was renamed the Zimmerli Series as well.
To honor his passing, Kurt’s seat in Twichell Auditorium will remain empty for the 21-22 Spartanburg Philharmonic Concert Season, and the Philharmonic will dedicate a performance from the opening of their season.
Kurt Zimmerli will be fondly remembered as a skilled businessman, philanthropist, loving husband and father, advocate for the arts, and lover of music, but most importantly, he will be remembered as a true friend of the Philharmonic.
top: Kurt and Nelly Zimmerli with former Spartanburg Philharmonic bottom: Kurt and Nelly are presented the Zimmerli Performance Center at Converse University
