Fred H. Elswick, Architect  (1896 – 1958)

Fred Elswick, a native of West Virginia , designed numerous prominent buildings within the Louisville area. His largest structure was the Kentucky State Fair and Exposition Center .  But, his most notable is the quaint Duncan Memorial Chapel in Floydsburg, Oldham County , which was constructed in 1937.  The English-Gothic style building was composed of native stone, which was taken from old fences in the surrounding countryside. 

Other Louisville region designs include Our Lady of Peace Hospital (now known as Caritas Peace Center ), Douglas Boulevard Christian Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, two National Guard armories, and the former Blue Cross Blue Shield Building (now known as Sullivan College ). He also designed numerous homes, one of which later became the Harmony Landing Country Club. 

Born in 1896 in Williamson , West Virginia , he attended Manassas College in Virginia , then served in World War I.  He started his career as a draftsman in Huntington, W. Va., and later moved to Ashland , Ky.   Elswick won an national competition for a house design in 1926, and relocated to Louisville to work for W. Earl Otis and Helm Bruce, Jr., who were partners in a building business.  His first house here was for T. Noonan Ryan on Woodfill Way . He maintained his connections in Ashland , where he designed numerous residences.

 Originally established in 1906 by Hermann Wischmeyer (1875 – 1945), Wischmeyer & Arrasmith was formed in 1926 under the leadership of William Strudwick Arrasmith (1898 – 1965).  In 1931, Elswick  joined the firm  and in 1937 it was renamed to Wischmeyer, Arrasmith, and Elswick. The firm would evolve into one of Louisville’s most recognized firms known nationally for his art deco-inspired Greyhound bus stations, including one in Louisville at Fifth and Broadway (now demolished). The few remaining examples are now which are now historic landmarks.  Focusing on healthcare and educational facilities, the firm is now known as Arrasmith, Judd, and Rapp.  It’s projects include the Rudd Heart and Lung Tower (1995) of Jewish Hospital, Baptist East hospital, and various contemporary parking garages, including two for the University of Louisville (Medical Center campus at Preston and Chestnut and on the Belknap campus on Floyd St.).   In 1945, Elswick formed his own firm, called Fred Elswick & Associates Architects and Engineers.  His firm also employed architects Otto Mock and Kenneth Mock. 

Fred Elswick was married to the former Lucille Smoot (of Carlisle , Ky. ) and they had three daughters.  He died on November 6, 1958, and is buried in Floydsburg Cemetery , which is adjacent to his charming Duncan Memorial Chapel.

(Information for this bio was obtained from the Courier-Journal, November 7, 1958, Oldham County Kentucky Gen Web Project, and "History of Louisville Architectural Firms" by Stephen A. Wiser, AIA,  the Louisville Encyclopedia.)