Monday, September 12, 2016

Missouri-Kansas-Mississippi Architect

Architect Charles Louis Proffer (1925-90) was licensed to practice in Kansas and Mississippi. Born in Sikeston, Missouri, Proffer sought his architectural education at the University of Kansas after serving for three years in the Air Force. He received his B.S. degree in architecture in 1950.

Proffer married another Sikestonian, Margaret Anne Hatfield, whose family had property in Mississippi (Ellisville, Gulfport). By 1953, the young couple relocated to the Gulf Coast. Proffer worked for Dalton B. Shourds and Eugene Mogabgab. Two years later he entered an early partnership with wastewater engineer Roy C. Kuyrkendall, Jr. (U. Miss., 1952). The duo designed a $150,000 commercial outlet in Gulfport, as well as a new marina for Ocean Springs.

For more of Proffer's work, see Preservation in Mississippi.

Image:  "Charles L. Proffer." The Sikeston Daily Standard 21 November 1967.

7 comments:

Thomas Rosell said...

I had no clue that Proffer was from Kansas. All I know about him was that he received a building permit on Sept. 11, 1950 for his own home at 706 43rd Ave. Gulfport which is still standing. He would later enter into a joint venture with H.F. "Buddy" Fountain that produced his most prominent work; the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum. oh he designed the Gulfport Library which is still open to the elements since Katrina.

Keli Rylance said...

I came upon it by accident. His hometown newspaper regularly featured mentions of his accomplishments from the 1940s-1960s. I remembered his wonderful public library building.

Thomas Rosell said...

Regarding the $150,000 commercial center, do you know if that complex was ever built?

Keli Rylance said...

I did some preliminary searching, but it didn't seem to have been...

Thomas Rosell said...

Have you seen the rendering for it? After your post I went on a Proffer hunt. :)

Thomas Rosell said...

I am only familiar with one Shourds and Mogabgab building on the coast. That is the Fernwood Baptist Church on Pass Road right near the Biloxi/Gulfport line. Ill have to look into them next!

Keli Rylance said...

Let me know what you find.