Joseph Stillburg

Joseph Stillburg was one of Pittsburgh’s most successful and influential architects in the late nineteenth century, and very little of his work is left today. Precisely because he was so successful, he designed buildings in prominent and valuable locations, and many of them were replaced later on by even bigger and more expensive buildings.

Stillburg was born in Austria in 1847 and came to the United States when he was about 21 years old. He spent his first American years in Wisconsin, where he must have been fairly successful, because when he arrived in Pittsburgh in about 1880 he immediately started doing big things.

By spending an afternoon trawling the depths of the Internet Archive, old Pa Pitt has put together a very incomplete timeline of Stillburg’s career. It will be expanded as more information comes in, but even in this very preliminary stage it shows us how busy he was at his peak.

The Joseph Stillburg Timeline

1880

Stillburg’s early work is credited to Stillburg & Staub; Father Pitt knows nothing about Staub.

Stillburg & Staub design the Bissell Block, illustrated in the American Architect and Building News for May 29, 1880. On the next page: “This store, which is now building, measures ninety by one hundred and twenty feet, and is built of Philadelphia brick, decorated with shaped brick furnished by the Peerless Brick Co., and with Ohio-stone. Stores occupy the lower floor, wholesale rooms the next, and offices the remaining floors.”

A cleaned-up version of the illustration.

The corner of the Bissell Block, including date stone, is visible in this 1911 photo.

Here the building is credited to Stillburg alone.

1883

Stillburg designs additions to the Seventh Avenue Hotel for Col. Uenger.

Pittsburgh Commercial Gazette, May 1, 1883

Stillburg & Staub design for a residence for E. J. Schwartz (or Schwab), Esq., is illustrated in The American Architect and Building News for February 10, 1883. Here is a cleaned-up version of the illustration. The name of the client is given as Schwartz on the illustration, but Schwab in the text of the magazine.

1884

Stillburg (no mention of Staub) advertises for a draftsman:

WANTED. DRAUGHTSMAN.—A first-class architectural draughtsman for a steady position. State references and salary required. Address Joseph Stillburg, Architect, Pittsburgh, Pa.

American Architect and Building News, December 22, 1883.

This might possibly be when Stillburg hired young J. E. Scheller, later an architect in Chicago.

Industrial Chicago, 1891: J. E. Scheller, architect, has commodious offices in the Real Estate building, 59 Dearborn street, rooms 11 and 12, and a branch office at Green Bay, Wis. He was born in 1868 at Green Bay, Brown county, Wis. In 1882 he entered the office of James McDonnell, architect of Chicago, where he was employed for one year. The following year he was superintending architect for the Ontonagon county courthouse in Michigan. The fall of the same year he entered college at Green Bay, Wis., graduating the following year. He then went to Pittsburgh, Penn., obtaining employment in the office of Joseph Stillburg, one of the leading architects of that city. Here he remained for two years, when he was engaged by Kelly & Jones, steam heating engineers. In 1888 he came to the great metropolis of the West—Chicago—entering the office of Treat & Foltz, prominent architects of this city. After becoming acquainted with the city he readily saw the advantages to be gained by engaging in business for himself, and opened an office in the Haymarket Theater building, at which place he did so successful a business as an architect, and his patronage increased so rapidly, that he was obliged to look for more commodious quarters. [A list of some of Scheller’s buildings follows.]

1885

Stillburg appears in a “Classified List of Architects” in the American Engineering Register with an address of 20 5th ave., Pittsburgh. (Date according to librarian.)

1886

Stillburg is one of the organizers of the Eagle Ferroline Company.

PITTSBURGH, PA. —C. G. Dickson, Joseph Stillburg, H. Mackin and E. Magee, of Pittsbugh, together with several Eastern capitalists, have organized the Eagle Ferroline Company for the manufacture of specialities from the metallic composition patented by Dr. Enrico Rosenzi. The company has a capital of $200,000, and will build an extensive factory here.

American Architect and Building News, January 30, 1886.

According to the Kovels Antique Tracker site, Ferroline was a kind of opaque black glass used for furniture.

Ursuline Convent and academy dedicated at Monte Ste. Ursule, Oakland. “The exterior of the building was designed by Joseph Stillburg, a Pittsburgh architect. The style of architecture is Romanesque, and the structure is a marvel of massive strength and graceful beauty.”

Pittsburgh Daily Post, December 27, 1886

1887

Cornerstone laid for St. Joseph’s Academy (now Seton Hill) in Greensburg.

Pittsburgh Daily Post, April 22, 1887

Stillburg in court for Exposition Society, explaining his designs for exposition buildings.

Pittsburgh Daily Post, April 30, 1887

1888

Exposition moves forward:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, January 9, 1888: At Pittsburg, Pa., the Exposition Society has received a favorable decision from the Supreme Court in the appeal taken by Rees & Thorn to prevent the Society from taking their property along the wharf at a fair valuation for an exposition building, and unless that firm takes the case to the Supreme Court the erection of the building will be commenced at an early day. Mr. S. S. Marvin, president of the Society can give information, so also, can D. C. Herbst the secretary. About $500,000 are to be expended, the plans have been made by Mr. Stillburg the architect, and include Exposition Hall, Music Hall, Machinery and Armory Hall.

Stillburg on the board of directors of the Western Pennsylvania State Association of Architects:

Inland Architect and News Record, February, 1888: The annual meeting of the Western Pennsylvania State Association was held at Pittsburgh, January 17.

The following officers were elected: President, Andrew Peebles; vice-president, George S. Orth; secretary, L. O. Dance; treasurer, Joseph Anglin; board of directors, Thos. M. Boyd, Joseph Stillburg and T. D. Evans.

The Western Pennsylvania State Association was started as a local organization at Pittsburgh, in February, 1886, and includes among its members most of the practicing architects of that city. The association has adopted the schedule of charges of the national associations, but have taken no steps toward affiliation, deeming it proper to regulate local affairs before seeking representation in the national body.

Stillburg one of several eminent architects considered for new Masonic Hall:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, March 26, 1888: At Pittsburg, Pa., the trustees of the Masonic Fund Society, having in charge the selection of plans for the new Masonic Hall to be erected there, have had one session, at which time the plans submitted by architects James H. Windrim, of Philadelphia, and Charles M. Bartberger, Bickel & Brenen, H. Moser, and J Stillburg, all of Pittsburg, were subjected to a critical examination. The gentlemen present, acting as a Board of Inspection, were G. T. Oliver, G. C. Shidle, G. Glass, Charles C. Baer. James Herdman, W. G. McCandless, and Dr. A. M. Pollock. The new building is to be six stories high and is to be one of the finest buildings ever erected in that city. Its cost will be about $125,000. The front will be of prepared brick, with stone and terra cotta trimmings, the improvements for heating, elevators, ventilating, fire escapes, etc., will be of the best.

Stillburg testifies about Haslage Building, which had burned and for which he had drawn remodeling plans. A wall had fallen and killed one Bridget Walsh.

Pittsburgh Press, April 13, 1888

Ground has been broken and progress made on the exposition buildings. “Then the brickmasons will begin, and walls of red brick united with red mortar and ornamented with terra cotta will grow into the strong but light and airy designs of Joseph Stillburg, the architect.” Machinery hall, $75,000. Main building, $150,000. Total expenditure, $500,000.

Pittsburgh Daily Post, May 4, 1888

Stillburg designs new Haslage Brothers warehouse, presumably to replace the one that burned and collapsed:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, July 9, 1888: Deeds Bros., have contracted to erect for Wm. Haslage & Sons a four story warehouse 30 x 150 feet to cost about $20,000, Jos. Stillburg architect.

1889

Stillburg designs remodeling and improving of “The Old Monon House” or Monongahela House hotel, “at a cost of not less than $50,000.”

Pittsburg Dispatch, April 7, 1889

Stillburg’s plans accepted for new Mechanical Hall at the Exposition.

“Exposition Progress,” Pittsburgh Daily Post, April 10, 1889, p. 2.

Stillburg designs four-storey building on Ninth Street.

The Inland Architect and News Record, July, 1889: “Pittsburgh, Pa .—Architect J. Stillburg has prepared plans for a four-story brick building, to be erected on Ninth street, by Charles Sanders.”

Old maps show a 4-storey building belonging to C. Sanders where the Creative and Performing Arts High School is now.

Cornerstone of Turner Hall on South Canal Street laid “in the presence of about 2,000 people,” July 21, 1889.

Pittsburg Dispatch, July 22, 1889

Stillburg designs 5-storey building at Fifth Avenue and Market Street:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, April 17, 1889: Joseph Stillburg, 20 Fifth avenue, is the architect for the 5 story brick business house to be erected at Market street and Fifth avenue at a cost of $21,000. The builders are Murphy and Hamilton.

Stillburg designs a church and hotel in Johnstown to replace buildings lost in the flood: German Lutheran congregation ($20,000) and new Merchants’ Hotel ($60,000) for Edward Fronenhaeuser.

Pittsburg Dispatch, August 27, 1889.

The budget of the hotel went down, but Stillburg was also designing commercial buildings for Johnstown:

Inland Architect and News Record, November, 1889: “Architect Jos. Stillburg: For Aug. Stramel, Johnstown, Pa., two brick buildings, stores with apartments above. Completed plans for the Merchants Hotel, Johstown, Pa., to be five stories with an area of 65 by 132 feet; cost $50,000.

St. Joseph’s Academy building opens

Article about Seton Hill’s history, including postcard of administration building.

1890

Stillburg designs a large stable for S. S. Marvin:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, January 29, 1890: S S. Marvin will erect a two-story brick stable, to cost $20,000. Joseph Stillburg, Fifth avenue and Market street, is the architect.

Sanitary News, February 8, 1890: Joseph Stillburg, Pittsburg, Pa., is preparing plans for a two-story brick stable for S. S. Marvin. It will be erected on Duquesne way, and will accommodate eighty horses and cost $20,000.

Duquesne Way is now Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Stillburg designs huge mansion for Mrs. Gusky and more buildings in Johnstown (the cost of the hotel went up again, or this is a different hotel):

Inland Architect and News Record, April, 1890: Johnstown, Pa .—Architect Joseph Stillburg, of Pittsburgh, has plans for $70,000 hotel, $30,000 hall and a $10,000 store building, all to be erected this summer.… Pittsburgh, Pa.—Architect Joseph Stillburg: For Mrs. J. M. Gusky, a two-story stone residence, terra-cotta. lumber partition, incandescent lighting, marble tile, etc.; cost $125,000. For B. N. Jacob, a two-story residence, brick and stone; cost $7,000.

In 1891, this mansion is mentioned as one of the prominent buildings fireproofed by hollow tiles from the Pittsburgh Terra Cotta Lumber Company:

MRS. J. M. GUSKY Residence, Pittsburgh, Pa. Partially fire-proofed. Partitions throughout. Architect, Joseph Stillburg; builders, Rose & Fisher.

Stillburg designs Spring Hill Elementary School:

SEALED PROPOSALS WILL BE RECEIVED up to 4 p.m. MONDAY, May 26, for the erection of Spring Hill School, Reserve township. Allegheny Co., Pa.

Plans and specifications can be seen at the office of Joseph Stillburg, Architect, 20 Fifth ave., Pittsburg, Pa., to whom proposals shall be addressed.

The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals.

Bonds for the full amount of contract will be required.

my17-21

JOSEPH STILLBURG,
Architect.

Pittsburg Dispatch, May 20, 1890

A new building was put up in 1908, which still stands. Old photograph shows the new building with an older one to the right (probably Stillburg’s); the older one has been replaced with a one-storey wing.

1891

Stillburg advertises for a draftsman again:

American Architect and Building News, March 7, 1891: WANTED. DRAUGHTSMAN.—A thoroughly competent achitectural draughtsman wanted; steady position; state experience and salary required. Address Joseph Stillburg, Architect, 20 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

The same advertisement ran in the April 8, 15 issues.

1892

“An addition will be erected to the Thirteenth Ward Minersville sub-district school house from plans prepared by Joseph Stillburg, No. 20 Fifth Avenue. Alfred Lawton, 732 Wylie Avenue, is Secretary of Board, and can give information.”

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, March 23, 1892.

Judging by old maps, this would probably have been Minersville Public School No. 1, which stood on Centre Avenue where Knott Manor is today, at No. 2800 Centre Avenue.

This is probably the same project mentioned in the August 10 issue: “A new school building will be erected in the Thirteenth Ward from plans prepared by Joseph Stillnig [sic], No. 20 Fifth Avenue [note address confirming this is actually Stillburg]. The structure will be 65 x 80 feet, four stories high, of brick and stone with slate roof. The interior will be handsomely finished, wood and slate mantels, electric lights, speaking tubes [!], ventilators, sanitary plumbing, school furniture of the best design, fire escapes, etc. The estimated cost is about $37,000.”

Stillburg was one of many architects, local and national, submitting plans for the new Carnegie Library in Oakland, in the competition ultimately won by Longfellow, Alden & Harlow. List in The Inland Architect:

The Carnegie Library Competition.

Stillburg designs house for W. J. Wright in Oakland. Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide August 31, 1892: “Architect J. Stillburg has prepared plans for a dwelling for W. J. Wright, Oakland. To be 73 x 60 feet, three stories, built of frame and pressed brick. Cost, $14,000.”

Stillburg designs a house for Louis Ruppel in Oakland. Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, September, 1892: “Louis Kuppel, will erect a dwelling at Oakland, Pittsburgh, to cost $12,000 from plans prepared by Joseph Stillberg, No. 20 Fifth Avenue. It will be of brick, slate roof, interior finish of hardwood, electric lights and bells, plate and stained glass, wood mantels, tiled bathroom, sanitary plumbing, hot water heating, etc.”

Stillburg designs four-storey building and stable for H. Berger. Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, November 16, 1892: “H. Berger will erect a four-story building and stable, to cost $19,000. Murphy and Hamilton, builders; Joseph Stilling [sic], architect.” Inland Architect and News Record, November, 1892: “Architect J. Stillburg: For H. Berger, a four-story building, size 25 by 100 feet; cost $19,000.

1893

Stillburg advertises for a draftsman again:

American Architect and Building News, April 15, 1893: WANTED. DRAUGHTSMAN.—Wanted, a thoroughly competent architectural draughtsman and designer. Address, stating ability and salary required, Jas. [sic] Stillburg, Architect, 20 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

1894

Stillburg designs house in Shadyside for John Gripp:

The Engineering Record, May 12, 1894: “PITTSBURG, PA .—Aiken av near 5th av, 2-story br and stone dwell; cost, $15,000; o, John Gripp; a, Jos Stillburg: b, C C Kohne & Co.”

This may not have been built; we could not find it on later maps.

1895

Stillburg designs four-storey warehouse on Union Street:

American Architect and Building News, June 15, 1895: A four-st’y brick storage building will be built on Union St.; arch. Joseph Stillburg.

1896

Stillburg makes alterations to Exposition building:

The American Architect and Building News, January 25, 1896: “Pittsburgh, Pa. — Alterations and additions will be made to the Exposition building at a cost of about $20,000; arch., Joseph Stillburg.”

Stillburg designs firehouse in Troy Hill:

Engineering News, Supplement—May 21, 1896: Bids are asked until May 25 for erecting a fire engine house at Branch and Lowrie Streets. Arch. Joseph Stillburg, 204 Fifth Ave., Pittsburg; John R. Murphy, Dir. Dept. Pub. Safety.

Still standing; Google Street View. Branch Street became Ley Street after Allegheny was swallowed by Pittsburgh.

1899

Stillburg designs store in Allegheny (now the North Side) for A. L. Goatsortz (we did not make that name up):

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, October 11, 1899: “At Allegheny, Allegheny county, A. L. Goatsortz, 669 Preble avenue, will erect a three-story brick and stone building, to be fitted up for store purposes, from plans prepared by Joseph Stillburg, Germania Bank Pittsburg, Pa.”

1900

Stillburg alters Turner hall to apartments:

American Architect and Building News, November 24, 1900: Pittsburgh, Pa.—P. V. Rovniank is having plans prepared by Architect Joseph Stillburg for changing Turner Hall, Taylor St., into an apartment-building having about 70 rooms; cost, $13,000.

☛This might refer to a Taylor Street in Allegheny whose name has been changed; check old map indexes.

1901

Stillburg adds four floors to Newell’s Hotel:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, July 10, 1901: At Pittsburg plans have been prepared by Joseph Stillburg, 431 Wood street, for alterations to Newell’s Hotel, on Fifth avenue, consisting of four additional stories to contain bed rooms, tiled bath rooms, hardwood finish, steam heat, etc. The contract has been awarded to Murphy & Hamilton.

1902

Hotel in Allegheny (now the North Side)

Plans for a four-story hotel building to be erected by Charles Wolfendale in Federal street, near Robinson street, Allegheny, have been prepared by Architect Joseph Stillburg. The structure will be four stories high, but the plans call for foundations and walls capable of sustaining nine stories. The building will be of brick and stone and will be furnished throughout. The hotel is designed for the use of bachelors, and is the first of its kind to be erected in either Pittsburg or Allegheny. The estimated cost of the structure is $35,000. The interior will be well furnished.

Pittsburg Daily Post, February 8, 1902.

This would have been near where PNC Park is now; Robinson Street is now General Robinson Street.

1903

Stillburg designs a hotel at 42 East Ohio Street for Joseph Illenberger:

Architect Joseph Stillburg has awarded to S. H. McCain the contract for building the hotel for Joseph Illenberger on the lot at 42 East Ohio street, Allegheny, which he bought last week for $20,000. The hotel will be a three-story brick structure, fireproof, and will cost $25,000.

“Many Buildings Projected,” Pittsburg Daily Post, June 16, 1903, p. 5.

This part of the city was cleared for Allegheny Center.

1905

Stillburg designs warehouse at 1007-1013 Liberty Avenue:

Architect Joseph Stillburg is taking bids on the six-story brick and stone store and warehouse building to be erected for the Patterson estate at 1007-1013 Liberty avenue, at an estimated cost of $75.000.

Pittsburg Press, April 24, 1905, p. 5.

Stillburg designs six-storey store for the Patterson estate:

Philadelphia Real Estate Record and Builders’ Guide, May 3, 1905: Plans have been prepared by Architect Joseph Stillburg, 421 Wood street, for a store, to be of brick and stone, six stories high, well finished throughout. The Patterson estate is the owner.

1906

Stillburg designs hotel in Ambridge:

William F. Reiss will have a three-story brick hotel built at Merchant and Fourteenth streets, Economy, after plans by Joseph Stillburg.

Pittsburg Press, September 25, 1906, p. 2.

No longer standing.

Stillburg designs warehouse at the Point:

American Architect and Building News, December 22, 1906: The Union Storage Company, Second Avenue and Liberty Street, is taking bids on a six-story brick and stone warehouse built at Short and Water Streets. $60,000. Address Architect Joseph Stillburg, Germania Savings Bank Building.

This appears on old maps right about where the Commonwealth Place Parking lot is now.

1911

Stillburg designs store and apartment building for Joseph Hook in the Hill District:

Architect Joseph Stillburg is taking bids on constructing a three-story brick store and apartment building at 2107 Webster avenue for Joseph Hook.

Pittsburgh Daily Post, July 2, 1911, p. 24.