Richard B. Isenhour architectural drawings

Title

Richard B. Isenhour architectural drawings

Date

1952-1989 (inclusive)

Creator

Isenhour, Richard B., 1924-2006

Extent

4 Cubic Feet

Subjects

Architecture, Modern -- 20th century -- Designs and plans

Architecture, Domestic -- Kentucky -- Fayette County

Architects -- Kentucky

Midcentury modern (Architecture) -- Kentucky

Arrangement

Collection is arranged chronologically.

Finding Aid Author

Nick Hodge

Preferred Citation

2016ms030: [identification of item], Richard B. Isenhour architectural drawings, 1952-1989, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.

Repository

University of Kentucky

Biography / History

Richard B. Isenhour (1924-2006) was an architect and engineer who specialized in designing contemporary residences in Lexington, Kentucky, during the post-WWII period. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and after his service in WWII, graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in chemical engineering. In 1947, he worked as an engineer at DuPont in New York and shortly thereafter married Lenora Henry (1925-2011). In 1952, he and his wife moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where she was born, to pursue a career in architecture and raise their family. There he started working in home construction like his father-in-law, A.R. Henry (1898-1970), a Lexington home builder. Isenhour attended the University of Kentucky and received a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1968, and he became a registered architect in 1974. Lenora was the executive director of a volunteer services organization.

Isenhour designed 95 homes and three commercial structures, most of which were built in Lexington, but others were in North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina. He and Lenora had four children, and remained in Lexington, Kentucky. His structures redefined contemporary domestic architecture in a city known for tradition.

Scope and Content

The Richard B. Isenhour architectural drawings (dated 1952-1989; 4 cubic feet; 14 folders) comprise design drawings for 80 residences and one medical building designed by architect Richard B. Isenhour, with most of the properties in Lexington, Kentucky, but also including structures in South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina from 1952 to 1989. The projects largely document residential properties in Lexington and include plans, sections, elevations, and detail drawings. The one commercial property documents a medical office in Lexington. Drawings depict Isenhour's use of contemporary roof lines, open floor plans, and extensive use of windows that defined his style, which reflected trends in architecture prevalent in the United States after the end of World War II. His design progression shows how he continued to push boundaries in post-and-beam construction while incorporating traditional materials such as stacked fieldstone and brick. Drawings are organized chronologically by project number.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Use Restrictions

The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center. Any commercial or for-profit use must be granted in writing by Raymond L. Isenhour or designee until 2030.