Frederick J. Osterling was born to Philip and Bertha Osterling in Dravosburg, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1865. The Osterling family moved to Allegheny City when Frederick was young. Following his schooling in Allegheny City, Osterling began work in the office of Joseph Stillburg, and was published in American Architect and Building News at age 18.[1] Following a period of European travel, he launched his own practice in 1888. During his career he designed many prominent Pittsburgh buildings, such as the Union Trust Building (1915–17). According to Martin Aurand, Architecture Librarian at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh,[2] Osterling's practice faltered after controversy relating to his anticipated alteration to the landmark H.H. RichardsonAllegheny County Courthouse and a public lawsuit filed by the industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Osterling's studio was in a building he designed himself in 1917 at 228 Isabella Street in Pittsburgh's North Shore neighborhood.
Some of Osterling's works are pictured in a book entitled, " F. J. Osterling Architect", Murdoch-Kerr Press, Pittsburg, 1904. The book contains about 40 plates (some lithos, some artists drawings) depicting Osterling's works. These plates include views of the Washington County, Pennsylvania Court House, its portico and law library; the entrance and smoking room of the Syria Temple (Pittsburgh); and the residences H.H. Westinghouse and other notable Western Pennsylvanians. He died on July 5, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
All buildings are in Pittsburgh unless otherwise stated; italics denote a registered Historic Landmark:
Colonial Trust Company Building, now part of the Bank Center of Point Park University (Wood Street, between Forbes and Fourth Avenues), 1902. Also, Osterling designed a T-shaped lobby that was added to his original building in 1926.
Gwinner-Harter House, also known as the William B. Negley House (5061 Fifth Avenue) was designed by an unknown architect and built 1870–1871. However, Osterling was responsible for additions between 1912 and 1923.
Osterling Flats, date unavailable. These are three houses at 3603-3607 California Avenue with Dutch design elements, which were converted into condos by the Brighton Heights Citizens' Federation in 2003.[8]
The 1889 bell tower from the former Bellefield Presbyterian Church is all that remains in front of the University of Pittsburgh's Bellefield Towers building
The Frick Mansion, or "Clayton", at 7200 Penn Avenue was built in the 1870s. Original architect: Unknown. Modifications by Andrew Peebles in 1883, and further remodeling done by Osterling in 1892.
Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, PA (1909).
Negley-Gwinner-Harter House, built in 1870 and 1871, at 5061 Fifth Avenue. Original architect: Unknown, but Osterling remodeled the house and was responsible for additions between 1912 and 1923.
James D. Van Trump & Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr., Landmark Architecture of Allegheny County Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, 1967, No ISBN.
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