Arthur Bates Jennings was born April 30, 1849, in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, to Joel Albert Jennings, a lawyer, and Susan Frances (Bates) Jennings. He earned an A.B. from the College of the City of New York in 1870 and received architectural training in the offices of John Correja, George B. Post and Russell Sturgis. He opened his own office c.1876, and initially worked on suburban developments in New Jersey for Stewart Hartshorn and others. He later became well-known as an architect of public buildings, including churches and college buildings.[1][2]
Jennings's buildings followed popular styles, and frequently utilized multiple towers and bold ornament. They were constructed across the United States, from Portland, Maine, to Seattle, and at least as far south as Hot Springs, Arkansas. He retired from practice in 1919.[1]
Jennings was married in 1881 Caroline Jerusha Allen of Meriden, Connecticut, and had three children: Edward Allen, Arthur Bates Jr. and Helen Bates. He died March 30, 1927, in New York City at the age of 79.[1][2][4]
At least five buildings designed by Jennings have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places, though one has been substantially demolished.
James V. S. Woolley houses, 115-121 E 91st St, Manhattan (1876–77)[5]
Lucien C. Warner house, 2042 5th Ave, Manhattan (1883, demolished)[6]
Charles L. Guillaume houses, 133-145 W 87th St, Manhattan (1884)[7]
Stephen F. Sherman house, 410 Riverside Dr, Manhattan (1884, demolished 1906) - Better known as the residence of George Noakes.[1][8]
Joseph J. Kittell house, 495 Riverside Dr, Manhattan (1885, demolished)[9]
David S. Brown houses, 170-176 W 72nd St, Manhattan (1886) - Built by Brown and various family members. No. 174, the only survivor, was occupied by Albert S. Roe.[10] No. 172 was occupied by Jacob A. Chamberlain.
E. August Neresheimer house, 176 Malcolm X Blvd, Manhattan (1886, demolished 1901)[1]
John J. Gibbons house, 494 Riverside Dr, Manhattan (1887, demolished)[11]
Christian Blinn house, 3 W 81st St, Manhattan (1888, demolished)[12]
George Daiker houses, 718-730 St Nicholas Ave, Manhattan (1889–90)[13]
J. C. Desuris house, 607 W 113th St, Manhattan (1889, demolished 1910)[14]
Denny Hotel, 3rd Ave and Virginia St, Seattle (1888–93, demolished 1906) - Construction resumed and completed in 1903 as the Washington Hotel. Demolished when Denny Hill was leveled.[22]
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