Pretzinger Architectural Collection

SERIES I, Business Records, consists of business records associated with commercial, hospital, church, school, and residential architectural designs of the Pretzinger Architecture Company. The records are arranged in alphabetical order for reference purposes. Included in this series are correspondence, specifications, construction tabulations, sketches, plans, and blueprints. In some files, building dedication programs and photographs are available. The span dates are 1910-1964.

SERIES II, Architectural Drawings, consists of architectural drawings and blueprints of commercial, hospital, church, school, and residential buildings. The drawings are located in oversize drawers 86 through 132 and 217-218. Most of the designs were by Albert Pretzinger, and the firms he was associated with during the period 1890-1968. Included in this series are also designs by other architectural firms or government agencies. The drawings are arranged alphabetical according to type of design, e.g. residences, churches, schools, business and commercial, and Miscellaneous. Included in the business and commercial subseries are plans for hospitals, factories, theatres, business buildings, and a number of plans for business buildings completed for the Adam Schantz Estate. It is important to note for researchers that the Commission Number (Com.) is included on the file folder and the Box and File listing. The Commission Number identifies all drawings and data associated with a design job. Also, some files indicate they include certain types of plans, e.g., linen tracings, blueprints, general drawings, full scale details, and shop drawings. Linen tracings are drawings made in ink on linen paper. This is generally the final set of drawings. Blueprints are made from the linen tracings. General drawings are made on tracing paper and generally precede linen tracings or are modifications to the plan. Full scale detail drawings are very large drawings of such things as mantels, cornices, etc. Shop drawings are drawings made by subcontractors for such things as the steel structure, heating duct plans, etc. Materials in this series date between 1890 and 1979. (NOTE: Drawings are located off-site. Please request drawings at least 72 hours in advance)

SERIES III, Color Drawings and Photographs, contains drawings (mostly color) of buildings being designed for clients. The drawings were used to show clients how the building would look when completed. Also included in this series are photographs of completed buildings and buildings under construction designed by the Pretzinger Company, and a portrait of Albert Pretzinger. Materials in this series date from approximately 1890 to 1948.

SERIES IV, Architectural Magazines, contains primarily The WHITE PINE Series of Architectural Monographs. The monographs span the period of 1915 to 1938. Also included in this series are four issues of The Monograph Series on Subjects Pertaining to Architecture & Allied Interests. The four issues span the period 1915 to 1918. For researchers, these magazines are a rich resource on architecture of the early 1900s.