Charles F. Lembke

Charles F. Lembke
Died	Valparaiso, Indiana
Nationality	American
Occupation	Architect
Awards	First Place and the Gold metal for the best two-room school house made of brick
Buildings	DeMotte Hall, Valparaiso University
Projects	Jackson Township District No. 5 School, Porter County Memorial Opera Hall

Charles F. Lembke, was a prominent architect and contractor who resided in Valparaiso, Indiana. Lembke built many downtown Valparaiso-area buildings, such as the Memorial Opera House (National Register, 1984), Carnegie public Library, Hotel Lembke, and several local schools. . Lembke was born in Valparaiso in 1865. He completed his education in Valparaiso, then going on to Valparaiso University, completing his education in the School of Architecture at the University of Chicago. He returned to Valparaiso and formed the Charles Lembke company with his two brothers, William and Henry. Because state law would not allow an architect to build the structure he designed, Charles managed the design business and Henry managed the construction business; they built much of what they designed. Charles grandson stated in 1966 that the family felt that Charles best work as DeMotte Hall on the campus of Valparaiso University. Constructed in 1915 as the Agriculture and Domestic Science Building, the building served the university after 1959 as the Valparaiso School of Law.

At the Paris Exposition of 1900, the French Society of Architects awarded Charles Lembke First Place and the Gold medal for the best two-room school house made of brick. This was the Center Township District No. 3 School.

Charles Lembke contributed a significant number of structures to Valparaiso and Porter County. He is credited with 28 residences, 18 schools, and 27 business. between 1900 and 1923.

Charles Lambke was awarded three patents on internal combustion engines.

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