Eberhard Architects LLC was established in 2009 to re-brand Oliver Design Group, which was founded in Pittsburgh in 1966 as division of Oliver Realty, a full-service commercial real estate and development company. Oliver Realty was established by the son-in-law of Henry W. Oliver, who was a member of the team of great Pittsburgh businessmen who collaborated to develop the mine fields of Minnesota, ship the ore to Conneaut, get it by rail to Pittsburgh and make steel. Mellon was the banker, Stuart was the contractor, Carnegie was the steelmaker and Henry W. Oliver’s role was to acquire the real estate - mine fields, port, rail and manufacturing sites. Other than the construction of the landmark Oliver Building on Mellon Square in downtown Pittsburgh, Henry acquired land in downtown Pittsburgh and held it as downtown Pittsburgh developed.

Oliver Realty began to develop commercial projects in the 1960’s. In Cleveland, Oliver Tyrone developed the Diamond Shamrock Building, today known as 1111 Superior Ave., the National City Bank Tower and Eaton Center. In 1976, development separated as Oliver Tyrone and Oliver Realty continued as real estate services, which enhanced ODG’s attraction to third party clients. In the late 1970’s, ODG was called upon to renovate the vacant Sterling Linder store in Playhouse Square for Prescott Ball & Turben, which kicked off the renovation of the district. Prestigious projects for Baker & Hostetler, Squire Sanders & Dempsey & Spieth Bell McCurdy & Newell followed, and ODG principals saw the demand in Cleveland for a high-performance integrated architectural/ interior design firm. After a lengthy search, Bill Eberhard was hired to open the Cleveland office of ODG in 1983. Within one year, the firm had 12 professionals and was profitable from the first month - something Oliver Realty had never experienced with its branch offices.

In 1988, Bill was asked to head the firm’s three offices and 35 professionals with annual revenue approaching $4m. Grubb & Ellis acquired the employee-owned Oliver Realty in 1989. In 1990, in but three of G+E’s 133 offices, Bill acquired the firm and sold the Pittsburgh office to the principals he had recruited to run it. The firm’s work quality continued to escalate as did the firm’s history of completing projects within their original budgets. EALLC continues these proud traditions.