Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd. is a full-service architecture firm, in continuous operation since 1920, and was one of the predominant architecture/engineering firms in Reading, Pennsylvania, during the first half of the 20th century.
Muhlenberg Greene Architects was originally established in 1920 as Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Registered Architect. Since its founding, Muhlenberg Greene Architects lists over 3,500 commissions to its credit,[1] including many landmarks in the city of Reading, such as Berks Heim, the Reading Medical Arts Building, and Stokesay Castle.
Founder
The original founder of Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg II, FAIA was renowned for his endeavors in architecture, politics, community, social services, and the military.[2][3] Although Frederick Muhlenberg opened an office in Philadelphia around 1917-1919,[4][5] by 1920, the practice was located exclusively in Reading, and the firm continued through several reorganizations to its present form as Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd.
Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Registered Architect, 1920–1930
Muhlenberg, Yerkes, Muhlenberg, 1930[6][7] – 1957[8][9]
- (Partners were Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Simeon M. Yerkes,[10] Charles Rick Muhlenberg (died 7/15/1953),[11] and Frederick H. Muhlenberg.[8][12]
Muhlenberg and Yerkes Associates, 1957 – 1959[13]
Frederick A. Muhlenberg & Associates, 1959 – 1965
Muhlenberg-Greene-Veres, 1965 – 1972
- (Partners were Frederick A. Muhlenberg, Lawrence A. Greene, Jr. and Elmer Veres)[12]
Muhlenberg-Greene Architects, 1972 – 1977[12]
- (Partners were Frederick A. Muhlenberg and Lawrence A. Greene, Jr.)
Muhlenberg-Greene Architects, 1977-1980
- (Lawrence A. Greene, Jr., Sole Proprietor)
Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd., 1980 – Present[14][15]
Frequently confused with the Muhlenberg Brothers, an architecture/engineering firm also operating in Reading, Pennsylvania during the first half of the 20th century, Muhlenberg Greene Architects was never affiliated with Muhlenberg Brothers’ firm, although Frederick Muhlenberg does have familial ties with the Brothers.
Officially retiring from the firm in 1977,[12] one week after his 90th birthday, Mr. Muhlenberg still came to the office daily until physical limitations prevented him from doing so about a year later. Fred Muhlenberg died on January 19, 1980, at 92 years of age.
Present organization
Following Mr. Muhlenberg's retirement in 1977, the Firm became the sole proprietorship of Lawrence A. Greene, Jr, (who had, at that time, been a partner of the firm for 25 years)[12] until January 1, 1980 when the present corporation, Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd., was established. The original principals/stockholders were Lawrence (Larry) A. Greene, Howard Quaintance, and James (Jim) E. Dockey. In 1983, Dennis W. Rex was added as a principal/stockholder of the Firm. In 1998, John R. Hill became a principal/stockholder. The current principals are Larry Greene, Howard Quaintance, Dennis W. Rex, and John R. Hill. Muhlenberg Greene Architects, Ltd. is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council,[16] and many of the staff are LEED Accredited Professionals.
