George B. Post

George B. Post was a prominent American architect of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his work on numerous notable buildings, including the New York World Building and the Cincinnati City Hall. Post's designs were influenced by his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was exposed to the works of François Mansart and Pierre L'Enfant. He was also a member of the American Institute of Architects and worked with other notable architects, such as Richard Morris Hunt and McKim, Mead & White. Post's career spanned over four decades, during which he designed buildings in various styles, including Renaisssance Revival and Beaux-Arts architecture.

● Early Life and Education

George B. Post was born in New York City to a family of Dutch descent. He grew up in a family of modest means and was educated at the Columbia University, where he studied civil engineering and architecture. Post's interest in architecture was influenced by his uncle, George Browne Post, who was also an architect. He later traveled to Europe, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under the tutelage of Léon Vaudoyer and Honoré Daumet. During his time in Paris, Post was exposed to the works of Gustave Eiffel and Charles Garnier, which had a significant impact on his design style.

● Career

Post began his career as an architect in the 1860s, working with several notable architects, including Richard Morris Hunt and Calvert Vaux. He later established his own practice in New York City, where he designed numerous buildings, including the New York World Building and the Cincinnati City Hall. Post's designs were influenced by his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts and his work with other notable architects, such as McKim, Mead & White and Carrère and Hastings. He was also a member of the American Institute of Architects and served as the president of the organization from 1899 to 1901. During his career, Post worked on various projects, including the New York Stock Exchange building and the Federal Hall in New York City.

● Notable Works

Some of Post's most notable works include the New York World Building, which was completed in 1890 and was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time. He also designed the Cincinnati City Hall, which was completed in 1893 and features a unique blend of Renaisssance Revival and Beaux-Arts architecture. Post's other notable works include the New York Stock Exchange building, the Federal Hall in New York City, and the University Club of New York. His designs were influenced by the works of Frank Furness and Henry Hobson Richardson, and he was known for his use of ornamentation and classical motifs in his buildings.

● Awards and Legacy

Post received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the AIA Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects in 1911. He was also elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as the president of the Architectural League of New York. Post's legacy extends beyond his own work, as he influenced a generation of architects, including Cass Gilbert and John Merven Carrère. His designs continue to be celebrated for their beauty and historical significance, and many of his buildings have been designated as National Historic Landmarks, including the New York World Building and the Cincinnati City Hall.

● Personal Life

Post was married to Mary L'Hommedieu Post and had several children. He was a member of the University Club of New York and the Century Club, and was known for his love of travel and architecture. Post died on November 28, 1913, while on a trip to Bermuda, and was buried in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. His funeral was attended by many notable architects and engineers, including Daniel Burnham and Charles Follen McKim. Post's legacy continues to be celebrated by architects and historians, and his designs remain an important part of American architectural history. Category:American architects