Architectural Drawings of Thornton Fitzhugh and Associates

The Phoenix-based architectural firm of Fitzhugh and Byron (Lee Mason Fitzhugh, 1877-1937; Lester A. Byron, 1889-1963), designed commercial, residential, and community buildings in Phoenix and around the state of Arizona from the 1910s through the mid-1930s. Lee Fitzhugh's elder brother and original partner, Thornton Fitzhugh (1864-1933), was a significant architect in his own right, having established an office in Los Angeles after departing Arizona. Thornton Fitzhugh's relocation to California prompted Lee Fitzhugh to partner with Lester Byron.

The Fitzhugh and Byron firm is recognized for designing one of the earliest examples of adobe revival architecture in Phoenix. The 1924 residence for businessman J. E. Thompson, known as Rancho Joaquina is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other significant projects in the collection include the Welnick Arcade Marketplace, George Washington Carver High School, the Arizona Museum, the Community Clubhouse for Clarkdale, Arizona, and the J. W. Walker/Central Arizona Light & Power Building. Fitzhugh and Byron often designed multiple projects for their patrons, including the families of August Grunow, Robert Craig, William Clark, and James Minotto. The majority of these drawings were digitized from the firm's original linen architectural plans. The collection also includes tracings - many of which were too fragile to withstand the digitization process. Only the elevations and floor plans from 89 projects are represented here due to the sheer volume of drawings. The total number of drawings and tracings on file for each project is noted within the descriptions. These are available for viewing in the library reading room at the AZ Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave, Tempe, AZ.

Note that many of the Fitzhugh-Byron projects have been lost over time. Many addresses were not included on the original plans. This project attempts to update that information wherever possible. We encourage researchers to contact [email protected] with any corrections or additions.