John Graham & Company
Encyclopedia
John Graham & Company, or John Graham & Associates was the name of an architectural
firm, founded in 1900 in Seattle, Washington
by English-born architect John Graham (1873–1955), and maintained by his son John Graham Jr. (1908–1991).
The firm was responsible for many Seattle landmarks and a number of significant structures nationwide, including the Space Needle
, the Chase Tower
of Rochester, New York
, and the Westin Seattle.
The firm was merged into the DLR Group
on May 19, 1986, and the name saw full deletion in 1998.
in 1896, he immigrated to the United States in 1900, starting a one-man architectural practice in Seattle. He started off modestly, designing mainly industrial-related buildings and private residences. His first notable project was designing the reconstruction of the Trinity Parish Church
at Eight Avenue and James Street in 1902 after it had been damaged by fire.
After a brief partnership with Alfred Bodley in 1904, Graham founded the firm of Graham & Myers with David J. Myers in 1906. He would work with Myers until 1910. As architect for the Ford Motor Company
, he designed more than 30 of Ford's assembly plants between 1912 and 1940. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, he would design hundreds of commercial and public buildings in the Seattle area including the Frederick & Nelson
store (now Nordstrom's) in 1916. He also helped found the Seattle Yacht Club.
He retired from architecture in 1945 and died on March 20, 1955 while on tour in Hong Kong
.
, established a short-lived satellite office of his father's firm in New York City in 1937, and took over the main office in 1946. Renaming the firm to John Graham & Company, the firm expanded a relatively modest regional practice to an office with national presence. It was ultimately responsible for over a thousand commissions.
Their primary focus was commercial projects. Many were straightforward mid-century modernist office towers, such as San Francisco's 1967 44 Montgomery tower. But Graham was also responsible for early development of the enclosed shopping mall genre, notably Seattle's Northgate Shopping Center
, which opened April 21, 1950, which anticipates the better-known Northland Center in Detroit by four years. The firm would go on to design seventy malls nationwide.
The authorship of Graham's single most prominent work, the Space Needle
, is disputed. Both Graham's office and the Seattle architect Victor Steinbrueck
, a consultant on the project, claimed design credit; the design was also influenced by the Century 21 Exposition
design standards and aerospace theme established by supervising architect Paul Thiry
. Clearly the revolving restaurant
, the "Eye of the Needle", was Graham's conception. He'd devised one for the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu the previous year, and was awarded a patent for the idea in 1964.
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
firm, founded in 1900 in Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
by English-born architect John Graham (1873–1955), and maintained by his son John Graham Jr. (1908–1991).
The firm was responsible for many Seattle landmarks and a number of significant structures nationwide, including the Space Needle
Space Needle
The Space Needle is a tower in Seattle, Washington and is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and a symbol of Seattle. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators, with over...
, the Chase Tower
Chase Tower (Rochester)
The Chase Tower, also known as Lincoln First Bank , is a skyscraper located in Rochester, New York, USA. It is the third tallest skyscraper in Rochester, standing at . It has 27 floors and was constructed in 1973. The architect responsible for designing the building was John Graham & Company. It...
of Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, and the Westin Seattle.
The firm was merged into the DLR Group
DLR Group
DLR Group is an architectural design firm providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design to clients throughout the United States...
on May 19, 1986, and the name saw full deletion in 1998.
John Graham
John Graham was born in Liverpool, England in 1873. He apprenticed as an architect in England as a young man. First visiting Seattle, WashingtonSeattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
in 1896, he immigrated to the United States in 1900, starting a one-man architectural practice in Seattle. He started off modestly, designing mainly industrial-related buildings and private residences. His first notable project was designing the reconstruction of the Trinity Parish Church
Trinity Episcopal Parish Church (Seattle)
Trinity Episcopal Church is an historic church located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington and is an Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Olympia.-History of Trinity Episcopal Church:...
at Eight Avenue and James Street in 1902 after it had been damaged by fire.
After a brief partnership with Alfred Bodley in 1904, Graham founded the firm of Graham & Myers with David J. Myers in 1906. He would work with Myers until 1910. As architect for the Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
, he designed more than 30 of Ford's assembly plants between 1912 and 1940. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, he would design hundreds of commercial and public buildings in the Seattle area including the Frederick & Nelson
Frederick & Nelson
Frederick & Nelson was a department store chain in the northwestern United States, based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1891 as a furniture store, it later expanded to sell other types of merchandise. The company was acquired by Marshall Field & Company in 1929...
store (now Nordstrom's) in 1916. He also helped found the Seattle Yacht Club.
He retired from architecture in 1945 and died on March 20, 1955 while on tour in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
John Graham Jr.
John Graham Jr. graduated from Yale UniversityYale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
, established a short-lived satellite office of his father's firm in New York City in 1937, and took over the main office in 1946. Renaming the firm to John Graham & Company, the firm expanded a relatively modest regional practice to an office with national presence. It was ultimately responsible for over a thousand commissions.
Their primary focus was commercial projects. Many were straightforward mid-century modernist office towers, such as San Francisco's 1967 44 Montgomery tower. But Graham was also responsible for early development of the enclosed shopping mall genre, notably Seattle's Northgate Shopping Center
Northgate Mall (Seattle)
Northgate Mall is a shopping mall in the Northgate district of north urban Seattle, Washington. It is currently anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Toys "R" Us, JCPenney, Macy's and Nordstrom.-History:...
, which opened April 21, 1950, which anticipates the better-known Northland Center in Detroit by four years. The firm would go on to design seventy malls nationwide.
The authorship of Graham's single most prominent work, the Space Needle
Space Needle
The Space Needle is a tower in Seattle, Washington and is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and a symbol of Seattle. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators, with over...
, is disputed. Both Graham's office and the Seattle architect Victor Steinbrueck
Victor Steinbrueck
Victor Steinbrueck was a Seattle architect, and University of Washington faculty member, and best known for his efforts to preserve the city's Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.-Biography:...
, a consultant on the project, claimed design credit; the design was also influenced by the Century 21 Exposition
Century 21 Exposition
The Century 21 Exposition was a World's Fair held April 21, 1962, to October 21, 1962 in Seattle, Washington.Nearly 10 million people attended the fair...
design standards and aerospace theme established by supervising architect Paul Thiry
Paul Thiry (architect)
Paul Thiry was an American architect most active in Washington state, known as the father of architectural modernism in the Pacific Northwest. Thiry designed "some of the best period buildings around the state of Washington during the 1950, 60s and 70s." - Life :Thiry was born in Nome, Alaska, of...
. Clearly the revolving restaurant
Revolving restaurant
A revolving restaurant is a usually tower restaurant eating space designed to rest atop a broad circular revolving platform that operates as a large turntable. The building remains stationary and the diners are carried on the revolving floor. The revolving rate varies between one and three times...
, the "Eye of the Needle", was Graham's conception. He'd devised one for the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu the previous year, and was awarded a patent for the idea in 1964.
Prewar Work
The following structures are in Seattle unless otherwise noted:- reconstruction of the Trinity Episcopal Parish ChurchTrinity Episcopal Parish Church (Seattle)Trinity Episcopal Church is an historic church located in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington and is an Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Olympia.-History of Trinity Episcopal Church:...
, circa 1903 - Butterworth BuildingButterworth BuildingThe Butterworth Building or Butterworth Block at 1921 First Avenue in Seattle, Washington was originally built as the Butterworth & Sons mortuary, which moved into this location in 1903 and moved to larger quarters in 1923. Located on a steep hill, the building has only three stories on the First...
, 1903 - Pierre P. Ferry HousePierre P. Ferry HouseThe Pierre P. Ferry House is an historic home in Seattle, Washington.-History:The American Craftsman home was designed by Seattle architect John Graham. The art glass windows in the main hall with the elaborate peacock were designed by Tiffany Studios. Orlando Giannini of the Chicago firm...
, 1903–1906 - Joshua Green Building, 10 floors, 1910
- Bellingham National Bank BuildingBellingham National Bank BuildingThe Bellingham National Bank Building was originally built from 1912 to 1913. It was constructed in a utilitarian commercial style with reinforced concrete. Even though this particular style was common for cities in the midwest and east coast, the building style was a stark contrast for...
, Bellingham, WashingtonBellingham, WashingtonBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
, 1912–1913, with F. Stanley Piper - Securities Building, 10 floors, 1918
- Frederick & NelsonFrederick & NelsonFrederick & Nelson was a department store chain in the northwestern United States, based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1891 as a furniture store, it later expanded to sell other types of merchandise. The company was acquired by Marshall Field & Company in 1929...
, now the NordstromNordstromNordstrom, Inc. is an upscale department store chain in the United States, founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl F. Wallin. Initially a shoe retailer, the company today also sells clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and in some locations, home furnishings...
flagship store, 10 floors, 1918 - Dexter Horton Building, 14 floors, 1924
- Bank of California Building (Seattle)Bank of California Building (Seattle)The Bank of California Building is a landmark building located at 815 2nd Avenue in Seattle, Washington. It is located mid-block adjoining the Exchange Building. It was built by the Bank of California in 1924 and has been continually used as a bank ever since...
, 3 floors, 1924 - Washington Building, 17 floors, 1925
- Montague & McHugh Building, Bellingham, WashingtonBellingham, WashingtonBellingham is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. It is the twelfth-largest city in the state. Situated on Bellingham Bay, Bellingham is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia...
, 5 floors, 1927 - Hotel Georgia, 12 floors, 1927
- The Bon MarchéThe Bon MarchéThe Bon Marché, whose name means "the good deal" or "the good market", was the name chosen for a department store launched in Seattle, Washington, United States, in 1890 by Edward Nordhoff. The name comes from Le Bon Marché, a noted Paris retailer and one of the world's first department stores,...
flagship store, now Macy'sMacy'sMacy's is a U.S. chain of mid-to-high range department stores. In addition to its flagship Herald Square location in New York City, the company operates over 800 stores in the United States...
, 7 floors, 1928 - UW Physics Building (now Mary Gates Hall), 1928
- The Roosevelt, 20 floors, 1929
- Joseph Vance Building, 14 floors, 1929
- Hartford Building, 1929
- U.S. Marine Hospital, now the Pacific Medical CenterPacific Medical CenterThe Pacific Medical Center is a 16-story building on Beacon Hill in Seattle, Washington. It is located at 1200 12th Avenue South. The building is of a Art Deco style. It was completed in 1932 and opened in 1933 as a hospital for the Marines. It continues to function as a medical center...
, with Bebb and GouldBebb and GouldThe architectural partnership of Bebb and Gould was active in Seattle from 1914 to 1939. Partners Carl Freylinghausen Gould and Charles Herbert Bebb were jointly responsible for many buildings on the University of Washington's Seattle campus, as well as the Seattle Times Square Building , Everett...
, 1930 - Exchange Building, 23 floors, 1930
- Tacoma Municipal Building (Medical Arts Building), 17 floors, 1931
Postwar Work
- Northgate MallNorthgate Mall (Seattle)Northgate Mall is a shopping mall in the Northgate district of north urban Seattle, Washington. It is currently anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Toys "R" Us, JCPenney, Macy's and Nordstrom.-History:...
, 1950 - Gulfgate MallGulfgate MallGulfgate Mall, also known as Gulfgate Shopping City or Gulfgate Center, is a shopping center located in the East End, Houston, Texas, United States...
, Houston, 1956 - AIA Building, 12 floors, 1958
- Ala Moana Office Building, Honolulu, 23 floors, including the first revolving restaurantRevolving restaurantA revolving restaurant is a usually tower restaurant eating space designed to rest atop a broad circular revolving platform that operates as a large turntable. The building remains stationary and the diners are carried on the revolving floor. The revolving rate varies between one and three times...
in the United States, 1960 - Space NeedleSpace NeedleThe Space Needle is a tower in Seattle, Washington and is a major landmark of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and a symbol of Seattle. Located at the Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which time nearly 20,000 people a day used the elevators, with over...
, an element of the 1962 Century 21 ExpositionCentury 21 ExpositionThe Century 21 Exposition was a World's Fair held April 21, 1962, to October 21, 1962 in Seattle, Washington.Nearly 10 million people attended the fair...
, with Victor SteinbrueckVictor SteinbrueckVictor Steinbrueck was a Seattle architect, and University of Washington faculty member, and best known for his efforts to preserve the city's Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.-Biography:...
, 1962 - The IlikaiThe IlikaiThe Ilikai is a landmark oceanfront high rise hotel and condominium at the western end of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai'i. When it opened in 1964, the Ilikai was the first luxury high rise hotel in Hawai'i....
Hotel, Waikiki, Honolulu, 1964 - 44 Montgomery, Financial District, San Francisco, 43 floors, 1967
- Holiday Park Plaza, 16 floors, 1967
- Westin Seattle, south tower 1969 (built as the Washington Plaza Hotel), north tower 1982
- Ala Moana HotelAla Moana HotelThe Ala Moana Hotel is a hotel located at 410 Atkinson Drive in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.-Description:The Hotel adjoins the Ala Moana Shopping Center and is across the street from the Hawaii Convention Center as well as the Ala Moana Beach Park. it was managed by Outrigger Hotels &...
, the tallest building in Hawaii from 1970 through 1990, 38 floors, 1970 - Chase TowerChase Tower (Rochester)The Chase Tower, also known as Lincoln First Bank , is a skyscraper located in Rochester, New York, USA. It is the third tallest skyscraper in Rochester, standing at . It has 27 floors and was constructed in 1973. The architect responsible for designing the building was John Graham & Company. It...
, Rochester, New YorkRochester, New YorkRochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, 27 floors, 1973 - 901 Fifth Avenue, 42 floors, 1973
- Henry M. Jackson Federal BuildingHenry M. Jackson Federal BuildingThe Henry M. Jackson Federal Building is a 37-story United States Federal Government skyscraper in downtown Seattle, Washington. Located on the block bounded by Marion and Madison Streets and First and Second Avenues, the building was completed in 1974 and won the Honor Award of the American...
, (joint venture with Bassetti/Norton/Metler/RekevicsBassetti ArchitectsBassetti Architects is an architectural firm based in Seattle, Washington with a second office in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1947, the firm has designed several well-known Seattle landmarks and many schools in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, including several buildings at the Pike Place...
), 37 floors, 1974 - One Capital Center, 14 floors, 1975
- State Office Building, 11 floors, 1975
- ABC Building, 33 floors, 1976
- Qwest PlazaQwest PlazaQwest Plaza is a 33-floor skyscraper in Seattle, Washington, completed in 1976, the 13th tallest building in Seattle, and designed by John Graham & Company. It was originally known as the Pacific Northwest Bell Building, and has also been called 1600 Bell Plaza, and US West Communications....
, 33 floors, 1976 - Southern Union Tower, 20 floors, 1980
- US Federal Building & Courthouse, 1981
- Lloyd Center TowerLloyd Center TowerThe Lloyd Center Tower is an 88 meter tall office tower in the Lloyd District of Portland, Oregon. At 20 stories, it is the tallest building in Oregon outside of downtown Portland....
, Portland, OregonPortland, OregonPortland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, 20 floors, 1981 - Clackamas Town CenterClackamas Town CenterClackamas Town Center is a shopping mall in Clackamas, Oregon . It opened in 1981. It is managed and co-owned by General Growth Properties and is currently anchored by J.C. Penney, Macy's , Nordstrom, and Sears...
, suburban Portland, OregonPortland, OregonPortland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, 1981 - Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 34 floors, 1982