James A. Johnson (architect)


James Addison Johnson was an American architect known for his design of various architectural landmarks in Buffalo, New York, and his use of decorative work that many consider a foreshadowing of art deco design.

Early life

John Addison Johnson was born October 7, 1865 in Brewerton, New York, near Syracuse, New York, the son of Garrison Barrett Johnson and Katherine Eliza Johnson.

Career

Johnson apprenticed and partnered with prominent Western New York architect Edward Kent and later with Central New York architect Silsbee & Marling. He also worked for Richard Morris Hunt firm and in 1890, he joined the firm of McKim, Mead and White in New York City as an assistant.
In 1892, Johnson came to Buffalo and continue his architectural practice. Significant projects from this period include the Alexander Main Curtiss House designed with partner James Marling. Johnson partnered with James Marling after Marling's previous partner, Herbert Burdett died.
After Marling's death, Johnson, at the age of 32, formed a partnership with the German born and trained architect August Esenwein. From its inception in 1897, Esenwein & Johnson was one of the most successful architectural firms of the time and is credited with the design of many buildings that have become Western New York landmarks. These include the Niagara Mohawk Building, the United Office Building in Niagara Falls, New York, the Ellicott Square Building and various buildings for the Pan-American Exposition notably the Temple of Music. Esenwein & Johnson designed many buildings for the United Hotels Company, which was the largest hotel chain in the country at the time.
Esenwein & Johnson's work was known for its diverse styles through a sixty-year history of designs, executing projects in Georgian Revival, Art Nouveau, Mayan Revival, and Art Deco styles. Of special note is the decorative features of Johnson's design for the 1912 Niagara Mohawk Building which foreshadowed Art Deco ornamentation. After the death of Esenwein in 1926, Johnson, in retirement, became advisory architect to the restoration of Old Fort Niagara.

Personal life

Johnson later married Mary Edith Carter and together they were the parents of two daughters, both of whom were born in Buffalo:
Johnson died in 1939 in Buffalo, New York, at Buffalo General Hospital at the age of 73; funeral services were held in his home at 731 West Delavan and he was buried in Oswego, New York.

Significance

A number of Johnson's Buffalo, New York buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including The Calumet, Hotel Lafayette, M. Wile and Company Factory Building, Fosdick-Masten Park High School and Lafayette High School.

Gallery

Selected works

Johnson & Marling