George Post American architect Date of Birth: 15.12.1837 Country: USA

1. Biography of George Post
2. Architectural Career

Biography of George Post

George Browne Post (December 15, 1837 - November 28, 1913) was an American architect known for his work in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture. He studied under architect Richard Morris Hunt from 1858 to 1860, but unlike many architects of his generation, he had previously earned a degree in civil engineering from the Scientific School of New York University, which he completed in 1858. In 1860, while studying under Hunt, he became a partner with his classmate Charles D. Gambrill.

Architectural Career

Post's most notable works were commercial buildings that pushed the boundaries of traditional architectural design, due to the demands of his clients. Unfortunately, many of the buildings he constructed were destroyed during the redevelopment of city centers in the 20th century, including in New York City. It is particularly unfortunate that many of these lost buildings were iconic landmarks of their era.

His eight-story Equitable Life Building (1868-1870) was the first office building to incorporate elevators. It is also sometimes referred to as the first skyscraper. His Western Union Telegraph Building (1872-1875) in Lower Manhattan was the first office building to surpass ten stories and served as the official predecessor to skyscrapers. The twenty-story New York World Building (1889-1890), located across from City Hall Park, became the tallest building in the city during that period.

At the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, Post presented the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, which had several more stories than the Machinery Building presented at the Paris Exposition in 1889. Post was also involved in the design of public buildings, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Wisconsin State Capitol. Among his notable private buildings were a French château for Cornelius Vanderbilt II at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, and a palazzo across the street built for Collis P. Huntington in 1894. In Rhode Island, Post constructed the Cottage Boldt, also known as "Chateau-Nooga," for the president of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1880.

As a true representative of the American Renaissance, Post hired the best artists and craftsmen for the decorative finishes of his buildings. Sculptor Karl Bitter and artist Elihu Vedder were among those who worked with him. Post was a founding member of the National Arts Club and served as its president from 1898 to 1905. In 1905, his two sons became assistants and partners to their father. The firm continued its work under the leadership of his grandson, Edward Everett Post (1904-2006), until the end of the 20th century.