Tab and Vicki Quisenberry have recently purchased the former Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry Consulting Engineers, PSC, building and property at 2625 Frederica Street in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Tab Quisenberry is the third generation in his family to own the property. “The name Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry reflects my grandfather’s (E. S. Quisenberry) early involvement in the company. My father (Jim Quisenberry) and uncle (Bobby Quisenberry) worked at JDQ for the majority of their careers. My brother, John, worked at the company for several years and I worked on the JDQ survey crew a couple of summers while in college,” Quisenberry said. “I have fond memories of this place. When the opportunity to purchase came along, I had to give it serious consideration.”
Although the business is closing, the property stays in the family with Quisenberry’s purchase.
Paul West (president) and David Depp (secretary) of Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry stated, “The combination of staff retirements and significant decline in project workload in recent years have reduced our profitability below acceptable levels. This forces our decision to sell the property and eventually close the company. It is with heavy hearts that we close the doors after more than 80 years of service to Owensboro and the surrounding region. The legacy of Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry will live on through the projects completed by the firm.” Paul adds “We are excited to have Tab and Vicki take over the property and have full confidence that their plans for it will reflect the history and accomplishments of JDQ.”
“We are very excited about the possibilities the property offers,” continued Quisenberry. “With major renovations and a little TLC, we can provide Owensboro with a unique office environment.”
Vicki Quisenberry will be the property manager. “We’ve spoken with a few businesses about leasing, but have not committed to anyone. We are open to ideas for the property,” she stated.
The building houses roughly 21,000 square feet on 1.9 acres located in the middle of town on Frederica Street, making the property attractive to a variety of businesses. The Quisenberry’s purchased the contents along with the property, including dozens of desks, work tables, and bookcases, enabling furnished office spaces for the right clients. “We have spaces very conducive to an attorney’s or doctor’s office. We have 40-50 solid wood elevating drafting tables that were handcrafted decades ago, dozens of drafting stools and survey equipment that together scream ‘very cool restaurant concept’,” Vicki Quisenberry concluded. “We want to keep the history of the company (JDQ) alive while providing a great location in which local businesses can thrive. We are open to any creative ideas!”
Persons interested in exploring lease options may contact Vicki Quisenberry at 270.302.7330.
History of Johnson, Depp, and Quisenberry
Construction Engineer J. Sam Johnson began the business in the Sohio Petroleum Company Suite in the Damron building in downtown Owensboro, in 1936. By 1937, Mr. Johnson had secured several contracts with the W.P.A. and needed a partner. O.L. ‘Larry’ Depp, Sr., joined the firm and the name changed to Johnson and Depp.
In 1946, the firm moved to 521 Frederica Street (currently the Campbell Club). In 1949, after serving as an engineer for the firm for several years, Everett S. Quisenberry became Secretary of Johnson, Depp & Quisenberry, Inc. In March of 1951, the company moved to 951 Frederica Street.
1952 welcomed stockholders George S. Hagan, Jr., J.G. Riney and William D. Haley. Five years later, O.L. “Larry” Depp, Jr. became Vice President after purchasing his father’s interest.
In 1958, the firm consolidated various operations by moving into a brand new 12,000+ square foot, two-story office building at 2625 Frederica Street. In 1960, Jim Quisenberry joined his father and partners in the business. During the peak of business, JDQ employed more than 100 people in multiple states.
