Robert Maynicke | |
|---|---|
 Robert Maynicke, c.1899 | |
| Born | 1849 (1849) |
| Died | September 30, 1913(1913-09-30) (aged 63–64) |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Awards | Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (1910) |
| Practice | Robert Maynicke; Maynicke & Franke |
Robert MaynickeFAIA (1849–1913) was an Americanarchitect. At his death, theNew York Times called him "a pioneer in the building of modern loft buildings."[1]
Robert Maynicke was born inGermany in 1849, coming to New York with his family as an infant.[2] He attended the city's public schools, and received his initial architectural training in the Free Night School of Science and Art of theCooper Union. After his 1869 graduation,[3] he entered the office ofGeorge B. Post, architect of many early skyscrapers. In 1871 he was Post's representative inTroy, where he supervised construction of theTroy Savings Bank Building and Music Hall. He remained in Troy until construction was completed in 1875.[4] He eventually rose to the position of Post's chief assistant, supervising all work in the office.[5]
After working in Post's office for some twenty-five years, Maynicke initiated his own practice in 1895,[6] making a specialty of commercial loft buildings. In January, 1905 he formed a partnership with the Beaux-Arts trained architect Julius Franke (1868-1936),[7] whom he had first met in the office of Post.[8] Maynicke & Franke kept their offices at 25Madison Square South.[1] After Maynicke's death in 1913, Franke continued to practice under the name of Maynicke & Franke until his retirement in 1926.[8]
Both Maynicke and Franke joined theAmerican Institute of Architects in 1908, and Maynicke was elected afellow in 1910.[9]
He died at his home, Cedarknoll, inBedford Hills, New York on September 30, 1913, at the age of 69.[1][2]
The noted Cincinnati architectRudolph Tietig worked in his office at the turn of the century.[10] For some timeWilliam H. Gompert was also a member of the office.
The work of Maynicke and Maynicke & Franke was extensive. In 1925, towards the end of his career, Franke stated that he had calculated that the floor area of buildings completed by Maynicke and Maynicke & Franke would be equal to the area of Lower Manhattan from the Battery to Cortlandt Street.[11]
Some important works in New York include: the Guggenheimer Building (1895), theSohmer Piano Building (1897), theGermania Bank Building (1898, designated NYC landmark 2005),[12] theYorkville Bank Building (1905, designated NYC landmark 2012)[13] and theFifth Avenue Building (1909). They were also responsible for extensions to theNew York Times Building (1903, designated NYC landmark 1999) and theGoelet Building (1905). Outside of New York City, Maynicke was responsible for the building of the First National Bank ofKey West, Florida, completed in 1897.[14]
After Maynicke's death, Franke maintained the firm's specialties. In addition to continuing commercial work, Maynicke & Franke was also responsible for the design of theHeckscher Museum of Art inHuntington, New York, opened in Heckscher Park in 1920.[15] In 1921, for the same client, Franke also designed the Children's Building of theHeckscher Foundation for Children on Fifth Avenue.[16] Among other civic uses, this building now containsEl Museo del Barrio.
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