Since its inception over 125 years ago, Berners Schober has been a fixture in downtown Green Bay. Indeed, if you have spent any significant amount of time in the city, you have no doubt seen, and most likely been in, a building designed by Berners Schober.
Founded by Henry Foeller in 1898, Berners Schober has grown from its humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of architectural design in Green Bay. While the days of meticulously hand drawing every square inch of a new building have passed, the core principles that guide Berners Schober’s day-to-day activities remain unchanged.
One common theme stands out when reflecting on the firm’s legacy: relationships. Much of the firm’s work, both new buildings and renovations, is with repeat clients. They understand that the great spaces they create for their clients are reflections of the relationships they build. These relationships allow them to gain deep insights into the client’s needs, wants, and desires, which are crucial to the success of any project.
Old-school word-of-mouth advertising from satisfied clients has played a key role in the firm’s continued growth. Additionally, many of the firm’s earliest buildings are still standing today, decades after design and completion, serving as a testament to their enduring beauty and functionality in a changing world.
A prime example of Berners Schober’s legacy and strong client relationships is St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. The original 10-story hospital, completed in 1957, was designed by a former generation of Berners Schober and was praised at the time as an “ultra modern hospital, complete with air conditioning.” Over the years, the firm has continued to expand and enhance the hospital.
In the 1980s, they designed a five-story addition. In the late 1990s, they designed St. Vincent’s Project 2000, which included a state-of-the-art regional cancer center and emergency care department. Most recently, Berners Schober has remodeled the women’s services department, the children’s hospital emergency department, and the entire pediatrics floor.
The firm’s main office remains in downtown Green Bay, housed in — of course — a building designed by the firm in the early 1920s, known as the Architects Building. It proudly sits next door to another one of its long-lasting buildings, the Ferguson Family YMCA, built in 1924 and renovated by the firm in 2017. In 2021, Berners Schober merged with Johnson Engineering out of Springfield, IL, solidifying a partnership that had been successful on numerous projects over the years. Today, the company employs over 60, including architects, engineers, interior designers, draftspeople, and administrative staff.
Berners Schober’s legacy is a testament to their enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and client relationships. As they celebrate 125+ years in business, they continue to look forward, designing structures that will stand the test of time and meet the needs of future generations.
310 Pine Street • Green Bay, WI 54301
920-432-4865 • bernersschober.com
