After more than 50 years in architecture, Ralls Melotte has retired and returned to his roots in Wisconsin, where he recently purchased a home in Kewaunee.

Melotte was born in Wisconsin and graduated from University of Illinois in 1970 with a degree in architecture. Along with Richard Morse, he co-founded the firm now known as Melotte Morse Leonatti Parker, Ltd. in 1978 and continued to practice there until his retirement on Nov. 15.

Melotte worked with many existing buildings and older structures and became licensed to address issues with asbestos and lead-based paint, in addition to dealing with mold remediation. For the past 31 years, Melotte directed MMLP’s environmental services division, Analytical Design Group.

David Leonatti and T. David Parker are the remaining principals at MMLP, which is located at 213 ½ S. Sixth St. in downtown Springfield.