The Parkinsons
Encyclopedia
John B. and Donald D. Parkinson were a father-and-son architectural team operating in Los Angeles
in the early 20th century.
, in Lancashire
, England
in 1861. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed for six years to John J. Bradshaw
, a contractor/builder in nearby Bolton
, where he learned the meaning of craftsmanship and gained a strong knowledge of practical construction. Simultaneously, he attended night school at Bolton's Mechanics Institute, where he developed architectural drafting and engineering skills. Upon completion of his apprenticeship at age 21, he immigrated to North America as an adventure, where he built fences in Winnipeg
and learned stair building in Minneapolis. Seeking to pursue his career back home, he returned to England only to discover that the English construction trades demanded more time and service for advancement. He decided that his then capabilities would be more appropriate to the less-structured opportunities in America. This time, Parkinson went to California
, settling in Napa
where he again worked as a stair-builder, but took on architectural commissions in his spare time.
In January 1889, John Parkinson moved to Seattle, where he opened his first architectural practice after failing to secure a position as a draftsman. In March he entered a partnership with Cecil Evers, but this ended little more than a year later. Parkinson's early projects included the Olympia Hotel, Olympia
(1889; destroyed), the Calkins Hotel, Mercer Island (1889; destroyed), and several residences. After the Great Seattle Fire
of 6 June 1889, he secured several important business blocks, the Butler Block
(1889-90; altered), and the Seattle First National Bank Building, later called the Interurban Building (1890-92), an exemplary work of Romanesque Revival architecture
.
In 1891, Parkinson won the design competition for the B.F. Day School
(1891-92; altered), located in the Fremont
neighborhood of Seattle. Thereafter the Seattle School Board
appointed Parkinson as the Seattle Schools Architect and Superintendent. Parkinson was responsible for all Seattle Schools projects over the next several years, including the Pacific School (1892-93; destroyed) and the Cascade School (1893-94; destroyed). He also designed the Seattle Seminary (1891-93)--the first building at Seattle Pacific University
(now known as Alexander Hall); and the Jesuit College and Church (1893-94; altered)--the first building at Seattle University
(now known as the Garrand Building).
Parkinson frequently published renderings of his buildings in the professional architectural press. He was an early member of the Washington State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
(predecessor to today's AIA Seattle chapter).
Parkinson invested in real estate and he was both architect and developer of the Seattle Athletic Club Building (1893-94; destroyed). His investments left him financially vulnerable when the Panic of 1893
, the severe national depression, curtailed construction after June 1893. Parkinson's schools position was terminated by the Seattle School Board early in 1894. In 1893 and 1894, he entered several competitions, but failed to win any commissions.
in 1894 and opened his architecture office on Spring Street between Second and Third Streets. By 1896, Parkinson had designed the city's first Class "A" fireproof steel-frame structure: the Homer Laughlin Building
at Third Street and Broadway. His 1901 Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn
has been designated as a Historic Cultural Monument and listed in the National Register of Historic Places
. His design for the 1904 Braly Block at Fourth Street and Spring became the first "skyscraper
" built in Los Angeles. It held the distinction of being the tallest structure in town until the completion of City Hall
in 1928.
In 1905, Parkinson formed a partnership with G. Edwin Bergstrom
which lasted for ten years. Parkinson and Bergstrom became the dominant architectural firm for major structures in Los Angeles. Five years after Bergstrom left to establish his own successful practice, John Parkinson was joined in 1920 by his son, Donald B. Parkinson (10 August 1895 - 17 November 1945).
Parkinson & Parkinson designed many of Los Angeles' finest buildings, which became some of the city's most enduring landmarks. Found on the impressive roster are: the Campus Master Plan and several noted buildings of the University of Southern California
(1919-39)http://www.publicartinla.com/USCArt/parkinson.html, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
(1923 and 1930-31), Los Angeles City Hall
(1928, with Albert C. Martin/structural and John C. Austin/working drawings), Bullocks Wilshire
(1929) and Union Station
(1939). John Parkinson completed an important early renovation of Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. There are many others which, though less well-known, help to define the urban landscape of Los Angeles and Southern California.
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in the early 20th century.
Early years
John B. Parkinson (12 December 1861 - 9 December 1935) was born in the small village of ScortonScorton, Lancashire
Scorton is a small village near the River Wyre, in the Wyre district of Lancashire, England. It is located north of Garstang. The name means "farmstead near a ditch or ravine"-Background:...
, in Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
in 1861. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed for six years to John J. Bradshaw
Bradshaw Gass & Hope
Bradshaw Gass & Hope is an English firm of architects founded in 1862 by Jonas James Bradshaw . The style "Bradshaw Gass & Hope" was adopted after J. J...
, a contractor/builder in nearby Bolton
Bolton
Bolton is a town in Greater Manchester, in the North West of England. Close to the West Pennine Moors, it is north west of the city of Manchester. Bolton is surrounded by several smaller towns and villages which together form the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, of which Bolton is the...
, where he learned the meaning of craftsmanship and gained a strong knowledge of practical construction. Simultaneously, he attended night school at Bolton's Mechanics Institute, where he developed architectural drafting and engineering skills. Upon completion of his apprenticeship at age 21, he immigrated to North America as an adventure, where he built fences in Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
and learned stair building in Minneapolis. Seeking to pursue his career back home, he returned to England only to discover that the English construction trades demanded more time and service for advancement. He decided that his then capabilities would be more appropriate to the less-structured opportunities in America. This time, Parkinson went to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, settling in Napa
Napa, California
-History:The name Napa was probably derived from the name given to a southern Nappan village whose people shared the area with elk, deer, grizzlies and cougars for many centuries, according to Napa historian Kami Santiago. At the time of the first recorded exploration into Napa Valley in 1823, the...
where he again worked as a stair-builder, but took on architectural commissions in his spare time.
Seattle practice
Olympia, Washington
Olympia is the capital city of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat of Thurston County. It was incorporated on January 28, 1859. The population was 46,478 at the 2010 census...
(1889; destroyed), the Calkins Hotel, Mercer Island (1889; destroyed), and several residences. After the Great Seattle Fire
Great Seattle Fire
The Great Seattle Fire was a fire that destroyed the entire central business district of Seattle, Washington, USA, on June 6, 1889.-Early Seattle:In the fall of 1851, the Denny Party arrived at Alki Point in what is now the state of Washington...
of 6 June 1889, he secured several important business blocks, the Butler Block
Butler Hotel
The Butler Hotel or Hotel Butler in Seattle, Washington was one of Seattle's leading hotels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was located in what is now the Pioneer Square-Skid Road National Historic District. During the Prohibition era, its Rose Room was repeatedly cited for flouting...
(1889-90; altered), and the Seattle First National Bank Building, later called the Interurban Building (1890-92), an exemplary work of Romanesque Revival architecture
Romanesque Revival architecture
Romanesque Revival is a style of building employed beginning in the mid 19th century inspired by the 11th and 12th century Romanesque architecture...
.
In 1891, Parkinson won the design competition for the B.F. Day School
B. F. Day Elementary School
B.F. Day Elementary School is an elementary school located in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA, part of the Seattle Public Schools school district....
(1891-92; altered), located in the Fremont
Fremont, Seattle, Washington
Fremont is a neighborhood in Seattle, Washington. Originally a separate city, it was annexed to Seattle in 1891. Named after Fremont, Nebraska, the hometown of two of its founders, L. H. Griffith and E...
neighborhood of Seattle. Thereafter the Seattle School Board
Seattle Public Schools
Seattle Public Schools is the school district serving Seattle, Washington, USA. Its headquarters are in the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.-List of schools:...
appointed Parkinson as the Seattle Schools Architect and Superintendent. Parkinson was responsible for all Seattle Schools projects over the next several years, including the Pacific School (1892-93; destroyed) and the Cascade School (1893-94; destroyed). He also designed the Seattle Seminary (1891-93)--the first building at Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university of the liberal arts, sciences and professions, located on the north slope of Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington, USA. It was founded in 1891 by the Oregon and Washington Conference of the Free Methodist Church as the Seattle Seminary...
(now known as Alexander Hall); and the Jesuit College and Church (1893-94; altered)--the first building at Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA.SU is the largest independent university in the Northwest US, with over 7,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools, and is one of 28 member...
(now known as the Garrand Building).
Parkinson frequently published renderings of his buildings in the professional architectural press. He was an early member of the Washington State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
(predecessor to today's AIA Seattle chapter).
Parkinson invested in real estate and he was both architect and developer of the Seattle Athletic Club Building (1893-94; destroyed). His investments left him financially vulnerable when the Panic of 1893
Panic of 1893
The Panic of 1893 was a serious economic depression in the United States that began in 1893. Similar to the Panic of 1873, this panic was marked by the collapse of railroad overbuilding and shaky railroad financing which set off a series of bank failures...
, the severe national depression, curtailed construction after June 1893. Parkinson's schools position was terminated by the Seattle School Board early in 1894. In 1893 and 1894, he entered several competitions, but failed to win any commissions.
Parkinson firm in Los Angeles
Faced with no projects, nor prospects for work in Seattle, John Parkinson moved to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in 1894 and opened his architecture office on Spring Street between Second and Third Streets. By 1896, Parkinson had designed the city's first Class "A" fireproof steel-frame structure: the Homer Laughlin Building
Homer Laughlin Building
The Homer Laughlin Building, at 317 South Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, is a landmark building best known for its ground floor tenant, the Grand Central Market, the City's largest and oldest open air market....
at Third Street and Broadway. His 1901 Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn
Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn
Susana Machado Bernard House and Barn is an elaborate Art Nouveau Gothic Revival style mansion and carriage house located in the Pico Union section of Los Angeles, California. Built in 1901, the house was designed by noted architect John B. Parkinson . Parkinson also designed the Los Angeles...
has been designated as a Historic Cultural Monument and listed in the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
. His design for the 1904 Braly Block at Fourth Street and Spring became the first "skyscraper
Skyscraper
A skyscraper is a tall, continuously habitable building of many stories, often designed for office and commercial use. There is no official definition or height above which a building may be classified as a skyscraper...
" built in Los Angeles. It held the distinction of being the tallest structure in town until the completion of City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall, completed 1928, is the center of the government of the city of Los Angeles, California, and houses the mayor's office and the meeting chambers and offices of the Los Angeles City Council...
in 1928.
In 1905, Parkinson formed a partnership with G. Edwin Bergstrom
George Bergstrom
George Edwin Bergstrom was an American architect most noted for his design work on the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia.-Background:...
which lasted for ten years. Parkinson and Bergstrom became the dominant architectural firm for major structures in Los Angeles. Five years after Bergstrom left to establish his own successful practice, John Parkinson was joined in 1920 by his son, Donald B. Parkinson (10 August 1895 - 17 November 1945).
Parkinson & Parkinson designed many of Los Angeles' finest buildings, which became some of the city's most enduring landmarks. Found on the impressive roster are: the Campus Master Plan and several noted buildings of the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
(1919-39)http://www.publicartinla.com/USCArt/parkinson.html, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a large outdoor sports stadium in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, at Exposition Park, that is home to the Pacific-12 Conference's University of Southern California Trojans football team...
(1923 and 1930-31), Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall, completed 1928, is the center of the government of the city of Los Angeles, California, and houses the mayor's office and the meeting chambers and offices of the Los Angeles City Council...
(1928, with Albert C. Martin/structural and John C. Austin/working drawings), Bullocks Wilshire
Bullocks Wilshire
Bullocks Wilshire, located at 3050 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, is a 230,000-square foot Art Deco building.-Design:...
(1929) and Union Station
Union Station (Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Union Station is the main railway station in Los Angeles, California. The station has rail services by Amtrak and Amtrak California and Metrolink; light rail/subways are the Metro Rail Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line. Bus rapid transport runs on the Silver Line...
(1939). John Parkinson completed an important early renovation of Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. There are many others which, though less well-known, help to define the urban landscape of Los Angeles and Southern California.
Parkinson firm evolution
- 1888–1889 John Parkinson, Architect (Napa, CaliforniaNapa, California-History:The name Napa was probably derived from the name given to a southern Nappan village whose people shared the area with elk, deer, grizzlies and cougars for many centuries, according to Napa historian Kami Santiago. At the time of the first recorded exploration into Napa Valley in 1823, the...
and Seattle, Washington) - 1889–1890 John Parkinson and Cecil Evers, Architects (Seattle, Washington)
- 1890–1894 John Parkinson, Architect (Seattle, Washington)
- 1894–1895 Burton and Parkinson, Architects (Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, California) - 1895–1905 John Parkinson, Architect (Los Angeles, California)
- 1905–1915 John Parkinson and G. Edwin Bergstrom, Architects (Los Angeles, California)
- 1915–1920 John Parkinson, Architect (Los Angeles, California)
- 1920–1945 John Parkinson and Donald B. Parkinson, Architects (Los Angeles, California)
- 1945–1955 Parkinson, Powelson, Briney, Bernard & Woodford, Architects (Los Angeles, California)
- 1955–1984 Woodford & Bernard, Architects (Los Angeles, California)
- 1984–1990 Woodford, Parkinson, Wynn & Partners, Architects (Los Angeles and San Diego, California)
- 1990–1992 DWL Parkinson Architects (Los Angeles and San Diego, California)
- 1992–present Parkinson Field Associates (Los Angeles, California and Austin, TexasAustin, TexasAustin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
)
Selected works
- Hotel AlexandriaHotel AlexandriaThe Hotel Alexandria is a historic building that was constructed as a luxury hotel at the beginning of the Twentieth Century in what was then the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. As the business center of the city moved gradually westward, the hotel decayed and gradually devolved into an SRO hotel...
, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (John Parkinson) - A.G. Bartlett Building, 651 South Spring Street, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Bergstrom) - Susana Machado Bernard House and BarnSusana Machado Bernard House and BarnSusana Machado Bernard House and Barn is an elaborate Art Nouveau Gothic Revival style mansion and carriage house located in the Pico Union section of Los Angeles, California. Built in 1901, the house was designed by noted architect John B. Parkinson . Parkinson also designed the Los Angeles...
, 845 S. Lake St., Los Angeles, CA (John Parkinson) - Continental BuildingContinental BuildingThe Continental Building is a 151 ft , 13-storey high-rise residential building at 408 South Spring Street in the Historic Core of Los Angeles, California. When completed in 1903, it was the city's first high-rise building, and remained the tallest for three years...
, 408 South Spring Street, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (John Parkinson) - Bullock's Wilshire Building, 3050 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (John Parkinson)
- Caliente Railroad DepotCaliente Railroad DepotCaliente Railroad Depot is a historic Mission Revival Style railway station, located in Caliente, Lincoln County, Nevada. The Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is Nevada Historical Marker number 249.-History:...
, 100 Depot Ave., Caliente, NV (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Crocker Bank, 453 S. Spring Street, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Bergstrom) - Engine House No. 18Engine House No. 18 (Los Angeles, California)Engine House No. 18 is a fire station in the West Adams section of Los Angeles, California.Built in 1904, the station was designed in the Mission Revival style by noted architect John Parkinson, whose later works included Los Angeles City Hall, Union Station and Bullocks Wilshire. In 1915, Engine...
, 2616 S. Hobart Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (John Parkinson) - Federal Reserve Bank of San FranciscoFederal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles BranchThe Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch is the Southern California branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco located on Grand Avenue and Olympic Blvd. in Los Angeles. Its original building is a historic-cultural monument, built in 1929 on Olympic Boulevard and Olive...
, 409 W. Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumThe Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a large outdoor sports stadium in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, at Exposition Park, that is home to the Pacific-12 Conference's University of Southern California Trojans football team...
, 3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Los Angeles City HallLos Angeles City HallLos Angeles City Hall, completed 1928, is the center of the government of the city of Los Angeles, California, and houses the mayor's office and the meeting chambers and offices of the Los Angeles City Council...
, 200 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, California (Albert C. Martin & John Parkinson) - National Bank of Whittier BuildingNational Bank of Whittier BuildingNational Bank of Whittier Building is a historic building in uptown Whittier, California. Built in 1923 by John and David Parkinson in the Beaux Arts Neoclassical architecture style, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982....
, 13002 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Security Building, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA - Rowan Building, 131 W. 5th Street, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Bergstrom) - Security Trust and SavingsSecurity Trust and SavingsSecurity Trust and Savings, also known as Security Pacific Bank, is a highrise office building in Hollywood, California and built in 1921. The building was designed by the father and son design team of John and Donald Parkinson, who also designed some of the city's major landmarks, including Los...
, 6381-85 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Southern California Gas Company ComplexSouthern California Gas Company ComplexThe Southern California Gas Company Complex is a group of buildings on Flower Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The complex was originally used as offices by the Southern California Gas Company, but was later converted to lofts....
, 800, 810, 820 and 830 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Title Guarantee and Trust Company BuildingTitle Guarantee and Trust Company BuildingThe Title Guarantee and Trust Company Building is an Art Deco style highrise building on Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles that was built in 1930. The building was designed by The Parkinsons who also designed many Los Angeles landmarks, including Los Angeles City Hall and Bullocks Wilshire. ...
, 401-411 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Title Insurance Building, 433 S. Spring Street, part of the Spring Street Financial DistrictSpring Street Financial DistrictThe Spring Street Financial District, sometimes referred to as the Wall Street of the West, is a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. The historic district includes 23 financial structures, including the city's first skyscraper, and three hotels all located along a stretch of South Spring...
, Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Union Station (Los Angeles)Union Station (Los Angeles)Los Angeles Union Station is the main railway station in Los Angeles, California. The station has rail services by Amtrak and Amtrak California and Metrolink; light rail/subways are the Metro Rail Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line. Bus rapid transport runs on the Silver Line...
, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA (Parkinson & Parkinson) - Union Station (Ogden, Utah), 25th St. at Wall Ave., Ogden, UT (Parkinson & Parkinson)