The Julian Clarence Levi collection documents the life and activities of a twentieth century American architect and philanthropist. The collection consists of watercolor study drawings developed while Levi was a student at Columbia University and the École des Beaux Arts; architectural drawings, photographs and records for architectural projects designed and developed in association with his partner Alfred S. Taylor from 1907 until 1962; professional papers from various committees and societies Levi was associated with; personal papers and photographs, including documentation on his family and office, his academic and professional recognitions, public events, travels and social gatherings as a former Columbia alumnus; and various prints and photographs of buildings and European artists collected by Levi throughout his life.

The collection consists of 10 student drawings completed by Lydia Patterson while attending Columbia University's School of Architecture. The majority of the drawings are gouache and watercolor with graphite and ink on paper, dated circa 1928 to 1930. The titles and dimensions are as follows: "An Athletic Club" (57 1/2 x 38 1/2 in.)"French Gothic Window" (37 x 58 in.)"A Government Military School" (41 x 33 1/2 in)"Horticultural Society" "A Group of Small Houses" (28 x 39 in.)"A Seaside Lounge Room" (28 x 37 in.)"Private Library #1" (26 1/2 x 36 1/2 in.)"Private Library #2" (26 x 36 in.)"Monumental Observation Tower" (23 1/2 x 36 1/2 in)"Separate Floor Plan for Observation Tower (#9)" (27 x 18 in).