Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps

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Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps (1882 - February 11, 1969) was born Frederic Joseph DeLonchant in Reno, Nevada on January 2, 1882. He graduated from the University of Nevada in 1904 with a degree in mining engineering.

He was employed as a mining engineer and draftsman in Inyo County, California before he embarked on a career in architecture. DeLongchamps spent a short time in San Francisco where he may have apprenticed, but he entered the architectural profession with no extensive formal training. He returned to Nevada in 1907 and formed a partnership with Ira W. Tesch which lasted for two years. From 1909 to 1938, DeLongchamps maintained his own firm and became one of Nevada's most prolific architects. He designed both private and public buildings including nine county courthouses in Nevada and California. He was awarded the contract to design the Nevada Buildings for the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in 1915, winning a silver medal for his work.

DeLongchamps was appointed Nevada State Architect in 1919 and was the only person to hold the position, which was abolished in 1926. During this time, he designed many state buildings.

In 1939, George L. F. O'Brien joined DeLongchamps in partnership in Reno, and Hewitt Wells added his name to the association in 1962. The architectural firm of DeLongchamps, O'Brien and Wells continued to design buildings, mainly in the Reno area, into the 1960’s.

Frederic J. DeLongchamps remained active in mining engineering throughout his life and was also involved in many community service organizations. In 1966, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the University of Nevada, Reno. He died in Reno, Nevada on February 11, 1969.