The Commissioners of Allen County selected A. M. Strauss, Incorporated,
to design the War Memorial Coliseum because of the notable achievements
of the firm and because that architectural corporation could complete
all phases of structural planning. Thus, the need for employing
architects from other cities would be obviated.
Alvin M. Strauss, born April 8, 1895, at Kendallville, Indiana, was the
son of Abraham and Frieda Strauss. After the completion of his secondary
education in the city of his birth in 1912, he was employed for several
years in architectural offices in Fort Wayne and Chicago. His career was
interrupted during the first World War by military service. Following
his discharge in 1918, Mr. Strauss returned to Fort Wayne and opened his
own office of architectural consultants. Mechanical, electrical, and
structural engineering personnel were added to the staff in the 1940’s.
The firm was incorporated in 1950 under the name of A. M. Strauss,
Incorporated.
Mr. Strauss is a director of the Indiana Society of Architects and a
member of the state Architects’ Registration Board. In addition to these
professional organizations, he is a member of the Jewish Federation, the
Executives Club, the Elks Lodge, and the Fort Wayne Country Club. He is
married and resides at 1220 Illsley Drive.