Henry John Klutho (1873-1964) was an American architect of the "Prairie School". He helped in the reconstruction of Jacksonville, Florida after the Great Fire of 1901 --the largest-ever urban fire in the Southeast-- by designing many of the new buildings built after the fire. This period lasted until the beginning of World War I. Several Jacksonville architects began their careers in the offices of Klutho's firm.
Life
Klutho was born in a small midwest town. He lived there until the age of 16, when he left for St. Louis, Missouri to study business. Sometime afterwards he became interested in architecture, and moved to New York City to learn more. Frank Lloyd Wright became a major influence, and Klutho's style changed to that of the Prairie School.
Buildings
Some of the places he designed are still in existence today, with several being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:
- Dyal-Upchurch Building
- Florida Baptist Building
- Old Jacksonville Free Public Library (a Carnegie library)
- Morocco Temple
- St. James Building (now the Jacksonville City Hall)
- Thomas V. Porter House
- Alexander St. Clair-Abrams House
- and the architect's residence in the city, the Henry John Klutho House
He also was involved in the design of buildings in the following areas:
References and external links
- Jacksonville Architects at Jacksonville Historical Society
- Photographic exhibit on the Great Fire of 1901 and Aftermath, and includes images of Klutho and his buildings. Presented by the State Archives of Florida.
- RAP: Application for Historic District - Riverside / Avondale at Riverside Avondale Preservation
- Jacksonville Modern Times at The Vernon Johns Society
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Last updated on Sunday January 20, 2008 at 17:21:38 PST (GMT -0800)
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