Background
Cornelius Curtin was born in 1853 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. He was the son of an educator, Professor at a University in Dublin, Ireland, who came to this country to take a similar position at the Cathedral in Louisville.
Cornelius Curtin was born in 1853 in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. He was the son of an educator, Professor at a University in Dublin, Ireland, who came to this country to take a similar position at the Cathedral in Louisville.
The youth after an early education under his father's tutelage, entered the office of Architect Bradshaw (active in the city during the middle years of the century) where he was trained professionally. After setting up his own office, Curtin carried on a successful practice for many years during which he planned and built many fine residences and a number of commercial buildings in Louisville. His most important achievement was the Columbia Building, the city's first skyscraper, ten stories high of solid masonry construction, completed in 1890. He also designed the City Hall Annex in 1907, St. Bridget’s Church, and the old John C. Lewis Office Building.
He was a charter member of thé old Louisville Chapter, A. I. A., forerunner of the Kentucky Chapter.