STRIEBINGER, FREDERIC WILLIAM (22 Apr. 1870-30 Sept. 1941), an architect active in Cleveland from 1898-1940, was born in Cleveland to Martin and Anna Raparlie Striebinger, attended CLEVELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS until 1888, studied painting for 1 year with Wm. Merritt Chase in New York (1889), and is said to have been the first Clevelander to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1891-96).
Striebinger was an accomplished classical architect. His major buildings include the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, 1916 (later the 77th St. CLEVELAND PLAY HOUSE); the Harry Coulby residence, 1912 (Wickliffe City Hall); Cleveland Gesangverein Hall, 1900 (HOUSE OF WILLS Funeral Home); Woodward Masonic Temple, 1907 (CLEVELAND CALL & POST Bldg.); the Heights Masonic Temple, 1915; the Third Church of Christ, Scientist, 1906; and the Tremaine-Gallagher House in CLEVELAND HTS., 1914.
Striebinger was known among his peers as the epitome of the eclectic architect, with the broad knowledge necessary for the appropriate handling of historical sources, but without great creative originality. This judgment is refuted by the buildings themselves, especially the Coulby and Tremaine mansions, which are superb examples of the Renaissance Revival of the early 20th century.
Striebinger married twice. He and his first wife, Elizabeth Maude Smythe (d. 1938) were married on 25 Aug. 1918. Striebinger married Alice M. Rabensdorf in June 1939. He had no children from either marriage. Striebinger and both of his wives are buried at WOODLAND CEMETERY.