Jules Leffland

Biography

Leffland was born in Usserod, Denmark in 1854 and studied architecture at the Institute of Technology in Copenhagen. His grandfather and father were architects in Denmark. He was married in 1879 to Emilie Sophie Struck, and they had eight children. After beginning his career as an architect in Denmark, Leffland emigrated to the United States in 1886. By the end of 1886, he had relocated to Victoria, Texas. He became one of the most prolific and respected architects in Victoria. Leffland also designed numerous buildings in Cuero, Texas and was its "most active architect". As his reputation grew, Leffland received commissions throughout South Texas, including Wharton, Beeville, Kingsville, and San Diego, Texas. According to one account, "Leffland was well-versed in a variety of stylistic expressions, although the Neoclassical Revival mode seems to be not only his most successful style but his personal favorite as well." By 1910, he had reportedly designed at least 80 structures, including churches, banks, city halls, hotels and residences across South Texas. Many of his works are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Leffland died in October 1924 in Victoria County, Texas. His son Kai Leffland also was an architect and carried on Leffland's practice after his death.

Retrospectives

In 1999, an exhibition at The Nave Museum in Victoria featuring Leffland's architectural drawings was opened under the title, "Architectural Drawings or Jules Carl Leffland." In 2005, the Matagorda County Museum opened an exhibit featuring "the life and legacy of building designer Jules Leffland."

Works

Leffland's works include: