Architectural Biography
Robert H. Matts
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Born
October 12, 1908, in McKean, Pennsylvania -
Died
June 3, 1988, in Fort Myers, Florida -
Wife
Henrietta -
Education
No known formal training in architecture, but by 1956 was a licensed architect in Florida. Learned engineering and architecture "on the job" as a draftsman and designer with architect George Evans Mitchell in Cleveland, Ohio.
Career
Worked on projects for Dupont and Goodyear in Ohio, Delaware, and Georgia on facilities for extracting synthetic rubber. His designs were used in chemical plants internationally. Moved to Fort Myers in 1955; worked first as a mechanical engineer for Bail-Horton and for Frizzell, later as an architect, as R.H. Matts & Associates. He admired the work of Louis Sullivan, especially his steel high-rise buildings.
Known for
First Harbour Towers, a steel-framed high-rise, as well as many local churches and residences. His firm, R.H. Matts & Associates, designed the first Sanibel Causeway in 1962.
