Born in Del Valle, Texas (on the grounds where Bergstrom Airport now sits) on October 1, 1918. His birth family was one of Austin's original Swedish settler families, the Lundells. Leonard's life was filled with accomplishments, but, he would tell you his greatest joy was his family. He and 'Gene were high school sweethearts who married on June 21, 1941. They shared a genuine love affair for 56 years, raised 3 children, enjoyed lifelong friendships and traveled the world.
Leonard was a proud member of that group of Americans described as the "greatest generation that ever lived". During World War II, he worked with Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron where, at the age of 21, he oversaw the department that controlled materials for the shipyard which built the LST transport ships. After the war, Leonard graduated from the University of Texas, class of 1949, with a degree in Architecture. Through the years he received licenses to practice architecture in all 50 states and Mexico, as well as the NCRAB certificate, which is the National Certification in Architecture.
Austin Jaycees - 1954
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Proudly, he would say he witnessed and participated in the growth of Austin, where his architectural practice was based. His architectural monuments are scattered throughout the 'original' Austin area that he lived in during the mid to late 20th century. He designed and oversaw construction of custom residential projects, churches, Temple Beth Israel, fraternity/sorority houses and schools throughout Cental Texas.
The firm, Lundgren & Maurer, has been recognized as one of the top 'Mid-Century Modern' residential architectural firms. They won awards for projects such as the State of Texas Monument in Vicksburg, MS. honoring our fallen soldiers, LBJ State Office Building in Austin and the first circular Holiday Inn, located beside Lake Austin. Lundgren & Maurer, and later Lundgren & Associates, were the most innovative and sought after architectural firms of their time with offices in Austin, Los Angeles and Mexico City.
All of his architectural projects are much too numerous to mention. Beyond all of this, though, he was known as a man of integrity who became close friends with his clients and who felt honored to have known and worked with so many incredible people throughout his long, exciting, creative life. He always proudly said he was blessed to have a loving wife, wonderful marriage, beautiful children and grandchildren…..a man couldn't ask for anything more.
Lundgren & Associates, Architects, Inc., Leonard's sole ownership firm, became best known for hotel designs. Ground-breaking hotel designs can be found throughout the U.S., Mexico and Central America. The bulk of Leonard's architectural career focused on unique, often breath-taking hotels, both interior and exterior designs. His talented team of architectural associates became internationally known for developing incredible hotel designs which the entire team worked together on through to the inspiring final building. Well over 300 hotels for Holiday Inns, Hilton, Ramada Inns, Sheraton, LaQuinta Motels, Quality Hotels, Passport Inns and Red Carpet Inns were designed by the firm. Leonard was extremely proud of his firm's accomplishments and spoke highly of the talented architects and designers that worked with him over the years.
Family members include wife Gene Neill Lundgren, children Jan Lundgren Patschke (Raymond), Lisa Neill Lundgren Klein (Mark), John Lance Lundgren (Dana), grandchildren Austin and Larken Lundgren, step-grandchild Jamie Michelle Klein.
In Memory of
Leonard J. Lundgren, Architect 1918 - 2012 Mid-Century Architect Austin, Texas
Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved
He was a member of the Texas Society of Architects, American Institute of Architects, Texas Fine Arts Association, Austin Jaycees, Junior Chamber of Commerce and various advisory boards. While he was president of the Austin Jaycees, the group developed the first home materials 'Home Show' and planted over 1000 pecan trees around Austin as a beautification program. While serving as president of the Texas Fine Arts Association, the group organized the original 'Fiesta' on the grounds of Laguna Gloria Art Museum.
Leonard and friend in front of Lundgren's Plane - 1964
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Leonard Lundgren and first car
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