1940s

The story of Somerville Architects and Engineers begins with a call to war, World War II, where John E. Somerville was put to task on war plant design and construction. His facility experience in both engineering and architectural disciplines spanned the United States. This and his pre-war experience with another local architectural firm led to the opening of his own practice at 230 E. Walnut St., Green Bay, Wisconsin in May of 1946. As Frankie Carle and his Orchestra played “Oh! What It Seemed to Be,” the new focus seemed to be on industry. And with that, Somerville started its project log with the Great Lakes Shoe Company of Oconto, Wisconsin.