Frederick Kees

Frederick G. Kees (April 9, 1852 – March 16, 1927) was an American architect notable for his work in Minnesota and partnerships with Franklin B. Long and Serenus Colburn.

Life and career

Kees was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 9, 1852. He joined the firm of E. G. Lind as an apprentice in 1865 and worked at the firm until 1878. He moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1878 and briefly worked with Leroy Buffington. He also partnered with Burnham W. Fisk for a few years under the name "Kees and Fisk". In 1885, Kees partnered with Franklin B. Long to form the architectural firm Long and Kees. After designing more than 13 buildings (including the Minneapolis City Hall), Kees ended the partnership. He then went on to partner with Serenus Colburn to create the firm Kees and Colburn which survived until 1925, the year of Colburn's death. Kees died two years later, on March 16, 1927.

Kees is considered to be one of Minneapolis’ foremost architects by the Minneapolis Heritage and Preservation Commission. Minneapolis Grain Exchange building (originally Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce), Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Building, Minneapolis