William F. Kurke

William F. Kurke (1889–1965)[1] was a prolific architect in North Dakota.

A. O. U. W. Building, Fargo, 1925

William Kurke was born in Minneapolis on December 9, 1889. He graduated from North High School before attending the University of Minnesota and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1913 he opened an architect's office in Fargo, where he would remain until his death. He practiced alone until 1920, when he established a partnership with Frederick W. Keith of Bismarck, with offices in both cities. Keith moved to Fargo a few years later, but Keith & Kurke lasted until Keith left the state in 1926. Kurke was again alone until 1946, when his son, John M. Kurke, was admitted to the firm, which became William F. Kurke & Associates. More associates were added in 1952, and the name was reduced to Kurke Associates. William Kurke retired in 1958, and the practice lasted into the 1960s under the leadership of his son.[2]

Kurke died January 17, 1965.[2] He married Elise Pomerleau Kurke (1892-1998) in 1913, they had three children: Robert W. and John M. (1918-2009) and one daughter, Donna Reed.[2] Elise was 105 when she died.[3]

According to modern analysis of Kurke, "Keith and Kurke are known statewide for a distinguished body of residential, public and federal works."[4]:6 A number of his works, alone or with partners, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).[5]

Architectural works

William F. Kurke, 1913–1920:

  • 1915 - National Bank Building, 418 Dakota Ave., Wahpeton, North Dakota.[6]
  • 1917 - Smith, Follet & Crowl Warehouse, 309 Roberts St. N., Fargo, North Dakota.[7]
  • 1918 - Equity Building, 113 Roberts St. N., Fargo, North Dakota.[7]
  • 1919 - Powers Hotel (Addition), 400 Broadway N., Fargo, North Dakota.[8]

Keith & Kurke, 1920–1926:

William F. Kurke, 1926–1946:

William F. Kurke & Associates: 1946–1952:

Kurke Associates, 1952–1960s:

References

  1. "William F. Kurke finding aid" (PDF). NDSU.
  2. "Finding Aid to the Kurke & Associates Records". http://library.ndsu.edu/. 2009.
  3. "State Deaths," The Bismarck Tribune, February 26, 1998.
  4. Lauren McCroskey (November 21, 1989). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Leach Public Library". National Park Service. and accompanying photos
  5. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  6. American Contractor 20 March 1915: 84.
  7. Downtown Fargo District NRHP Nomination. 1983.
  8. Powers Hotel NRHP Nomination. 1983.
  9. Engineering and Contracting 2 June 1920: 76.
  10. American Contractor 11 Sept. 1920: 53.
  11. Engineering News-Record 16 March 1922: 120.
  12. North Dakota State University District NRHP Nomination. 1986.
  13. American Contractor 29 July 1922: 52.
  14. State Normal School at Valley City Historic District NRHP Nomination. 1995.
  15. Bridgemen's Magazine 1923: 177.
  16. Engineering News-Record 1925: 376.
  17. Iron Age 1933: 58.
  18. Cathedral Area Historic District NRHP Nomination. 1980.
  19. Engineering News 1951: 341.
  20. Engineering News-Record 1953: 78.
  21. "Traill County". http://www.courthouses.co/. 2015.
  22. Engineering News-Record 1956: 39.
  23. Engineering News-Record 1956: 161.
  24. Commercial West 1961: 19.
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