Uncommon Journey to Architecture
John Norris, a New York City native, was born in 1804. Throughout his life, his career transformed significantly and his legacy has left behind some of the most notable works of his time period. His journey is unlike most famous architects. He did not attend college to earn a degree, but rather worked his way up the ladder going from working as a mason, to becoming a builder, to later designating himself an architect.
Self-Made Professional
Norris is a great example of a skilled worker who transformed his career and life through sheer talent and determination. His progression from mason to master architect demonstrates the possibilities available to those with vision and dedication in 19th-century America.
Early Career in Wilmington
By the year 1839, Norris's career path took him to Wilmington, North Carolina. He oversaw and designed multiple buildings during his time in Wilmington, including Gothic, Greek Revival, and Italian style buildings. This included mansions, a bank, a hall, and notably, he oversaw the construction of the St. James Episcopal Church, designed by architect Thomas U. Walter.
After the St. James Episcopal Church project ended, Norris was selected to be the architect for the Wilmington Custom House. This significant project was the start of his career as an architect, and is largely attributed to his continued success.
Arrival in Savannah
Word of his great talents got to the city of Savannah, and upon winning a design competition for the Savannah Custom House, he was awarded his first project in the city. The Savannah Custom House was completed in 1852, and exhibits a Greek Revival architectural style that became his signature in the city.
Major Savannah Works
His next project in Savannah was a Gothic Revival building, the Georgia Historic Society Library. Following this project, he went on to design yet another Gothic Revival style building for the Chatham Artillery. By 1848, with a few major projects under his belt in the city, Norris was commissioned to take on the 46-foot tall, brick clad Cockspur Island Lighthouse. While the lighthouse is no longer in service, it has been in the National Park Service's possession since 1958.
Located just steps from the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist across Lafayette Square is another one of Norris's works. The Andrew Low House, now a museum, was built in 1849. This 19th century home was also a Greek Revival style building, and housed Andrew Low, an important businessman at the time, and later, Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA.
Architectural Diversity
With his knowledge and magnificent execution of multiple architectural styles, Norris enhanced Savannah's cityscapes with a diverse array of buildings spread throughout the city streets. His mastery of Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, and Italian styles set him apart from his contemporaries.
Notable Later Works
Another of John Norris's works that draws a crowd is the Green-Meldrim House on West Macon Street. Completed in 1856, this Gothic style house is considered to be one of the greatest architectural marvels of that style in the country. This same year, Norris's Massie School House was also constructed. This was a work of high importance in the city, being one of Savannah's very first schools.
Arguably, Norris's most prominent work in the city of Savannah was the Mercer-Williams House. Though this Greek and Italian style mansion, situated on Monterey Square, is of significant architectural importance, the history of the happenings in and around this house equally fascinates visitors to this day.
Legacy in Savannah
Through his fourteen year span of living and working in Savannah, Norris managed to leave a significant footprint in the city, still marveled by the public over sixty years later. His diverse portfolio demonstrates a master architect who could work effectively across multiple architectural traditions, from Gothic Revival churches to Greek Revival mansions.
Major Architectural Works in Savannah
Style: Greek Revival
Won through design competition, establishing his reputation in Savannah.
Style: Greek Revival
Later home of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA.
Location: Monterey Square
His most prominent work, later famous from "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
Style: Gothic Revival
Considered one of the greatest Gothic architectural marvels in the country.
Height: 46 feet
Brick-clad lighthouse, now preserved by National Park Service since 1958.
Massie School House & Georgia Historic Society
One of Savannah's first schools and the Georgia Historic Society Library.