Albert C. Martin, Sr.

Albert C. Martin
Born September 16, 1879
LaSalle, Illinois, USA
Died April 9, 1960 (aged 80)
Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality American
Occupation Architect
Buildings Los Angeles City Hall
St. Vincent de Paul Church
May Company Department Store (Wilshire Bl.)
Million Dollar Theater
Ventura County Courthouse

Albert Carey Martin (September 16, 1879 April 9, 1960) was an American architect and engineer.

He founded the architectural firm of Albert C. Martin & Associates, now known as A.C. Martin Partners, and designed some of Southern California's landmark buildings.

Martin is also credited with developing a system of reinforced concrete construction, along with reinforced brick masonry.[1]

Early career

Born in LaSalle, Illinois, Martin received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois and began his career as a draftsman at Brown-Ketcham Iron Works in Indianapolis, Indiana.[2] He worked in his early career in steel and iron for the Pennsylvania Railroad and Cambria Steel Company.[2]

In 1904, Martin moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a construction superintendent for Carl Leonardt & Company.[2] He next went to work as an engineer for Alfred Rosenheim, one of the city's leading architects.[2]

Architectural career in Los Angeles

St. Vincent's Catholic Church
Saint Monica Catholic Church
Los Angeles City Hall
May Company Department Store

Martin formed his own firm, Albert C. Martin & Associates, in 1906. His firm went on to become one of the most prominent architectural firms in Los Angeles.

On October 16, 1907, he and Carolyn E. Borchard (February 21, 1883June 9, 1959)[3][4] were married in Oxnard, California. They had six children, including architect Albert C. Martin, Jr., who went into business with his father, and J. Edward Martin (October 23, 1916 – November 22, 2004), a structural engineer who assumed management of the firm after World War II.[5]

Martin's notable buildings include:

Recognition and later life

In all, Martin and his associates designed some 1,500 buildings.[1] In 1959, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce recognized Martin for his contributions to the development of Los Angeles, by awarding him its annual "Man of Achievement" award.[12] Martin's achievements included development of a system of reinforced concrete construction in 1907 and development of a method of reinforced brick masonry in 1933 to help safeguard the city's buildings against earthquakes.[12]

Albert C. Martin died at age 80 in Los Angeles.[1][13] The firm he founded, now known as A.C. Martin Partners, has continued as one of the city's leading architectural firms,[14] and Martin's son, Albert C. Martin, Jr., was one of its leading architects. A.C. Martin is now helmed by Albert, Jr.'s son, David C. Martin, and nephew, Christopher C. Martin.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Albert C. Martin Sr., 80, Noted Architect, Dies: Design of Many Notable Buildings was Chamber's Man of Achievement in '59". Los Angeles Times. 1960-04-10.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Albert C. Martin". Historic Fresno.
  3. California Death Index, Name: Carolyn Elizabeth Martin, Birth Date: 02-21-1883, Mother's Maiden Name: Kaufman, Father's Last: Borchard, Sex: Female, Birth Place: California, Death Place: Los Angeles (19), Death Date: 06-09-1959, SSN: 548-52-4154, Age: 76 yrs.
  4. "Mrs. Albert C. Martin, Wife of Architect, Dies". Los Angeles Times. 1959-06-10.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Tony Illia L.A. Architect Albert C. Martin Dies April 17, 2006 Architectural Record
  6. Cecilia Rasmussen (2006-11-19). "L.A. Then and Now: Higgins Building was a shining showpiece; The structure at 2nd and Main was built by a copper tycoon; The neighborhood soon fell on hard times, but now is making a comeback". Los Angeles Times.
  7. "Ventura County's Quarter-Million-Dollar Courthouse". Los Angeles Times. 1911-04-22.
  8. "Deadlock on Architects: Public Works Board Selects Own City Hall Firm; Parley With Council Fails of Compromise". Los Angeles Times. 1925-03-03.
  9. "High City Hall Need Explained: Architect Says Plan Means Saving to Taxpayer; Realty Board Members Told of High-Tower Value". Los Angeles Times. 1926-04-18.
  10. "Hall Architects Praised: Works Board Commends Trio for Design and Speed in Erecting New City Offices". Los Angeles Times. 1928-03-27.
  11. May Company
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Albert C. Martin, Sr. Awarded C of C Plaque". Los Angeles Times. 1959-05-19.
  13. California Death Index, Name: Albert C. Martin, Birth Date: 09-16-1879, Mother's Maiden Name: Carey, Sex: Male, Birth Place: Illinois, Death Place: Los Angeles (70), Death Date: 04-09-1960, SSN: 548-52-4154, Age: 80 yrs.
  14. "Home Page". AC Martin Partners.