Last year, we wrote about Karlsberger Architecture and its lawsuit against Ohio State University for unpaid fees. The Columbus-based firm alleged that it was owed $1.3 million for its design work on a 1-million-square-foot medical center (a project later handed over to HOK). In December, a judge dismissed the lawsuit.
Now, the firm, founded in 1928 by Louis F. Karlsberger, is closing down. In an announcement posted today on its website, the firm says that after 83 years of doing business, it’s shutting its doors. “While this is a sad day for our team, it is with great pride that we look back on generations of fine service and award-winning design,” the announcement states. “The general economic times have made it impossible for the firm to continue. Our level of revenues are insufficient for us to meet our ongoing obligations.”
The firm says it has filed an application for receivership, and the receiver, Kenneth Leachman, will “take responsibility for winding up the business affairs of the company."
I hate to hear about any firm being shuttered, particularly one established more than eight decades ago. If the AIA's recent billings index is any indication, Karlsberger might not be the only firm forced out of business this year.
