Frederick G. Scheibler, Jr. collection

Frederick Gustavus Scheibler, Jr., a Pittsburgh native, received his architectural training as an apprentice in local firms. Early in his career, Scheibler entered a short-lived private practice with Louis A. Raisig until 1901 under the name Raisig and Scheibler. The Kitzmiller House for Edward A. Kitzmiller is the only work held in-collection completed by the partnership, and Scheibler worked independently after 1901.

Scheibler's first independent works were conventional in their use of historical precedents. However, unlike most of his contemporaries, Scheibler developed a deep interest in the progressive European architectural movements of the turn of the century. By 1905, Scheibler was experimenting with forms inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement, the English Free Style, the Viennese Secession and Art Nouveau.

Scheibler frequently utilized distinct ornamentation of simple art glass and tilework, which often featured naturalistic motifs like flowers and birds. These ornaments were used to accent plain stucco or brick walls. His trademark, the exposed I-beam lintel over windows, doors, and porches, was a frank and highly unusual use of a modern structural material in the role of a traditional building element.

Scheibler's apartment buildings, houses, rowhouses, and so-called "group cottage" developments are particularly striking elements in the built environment of the Pittsburgh area because of the architect's ability to create original compositions through the use of dramatic massing, rich detailing, and varied materials.

Many of Scheibler's early projects are documented by complete sets of working drawings and occasional watercolor cartoons for art glass and tile. The working drawings for later projects -- i.e. plans, elevations, interior elevations and details, and a structural section -- were often compressed onto one or two sheets that apparently doubled as presentation drawings