Edward Bennett Dougherty

Edward Emmett Dougherty, a.k.a. Edwin Dougherty (March 18, 1876 – November 11, 1943) was an architect in the southeastern United States. One of his best known designs was the Tennessee War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville in 1922. The work won state and national design competitions.

Early life Edward Emmett Dougherty was born on March 18, 1876, in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1895.

Career

As an architect, Dougherty partnered with Arthur Neal Robinson for a few years. He was also a partner in Dougherty & Gardner and in Dougherty, Wallace and Clemmons.

An impressive string of successful projects in Atlanta brought notice and numerous commissions in Nashville where Dougherty moved in 1916 for the second part of his career.

Tennessee War Memorial Auditorium Nashville War Memorial AuditoriumDougherty received the contract for a 2,000-seat auditorium, Tennessee's War Memorial Building, now known as the War Memorial Auditorium (1922) in a "spirited competition" according to the Nashville Tennessean. A jury of nationally-known architects devised a competition to narrow the competitors to six; three from Tennessee and three from out-of state. The designers were kept anonymous and the choice was made by a commission of local city fathers at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville on February 14, 1922. Dougherty's design was the unanimous choice.

Death Dougherty died on November 11, 1943, at a Nashville Hospital at age 68. Highland School, 978 North Ave., NE, Atlanta, Georgia (Dougherty, Edward E.), NRHP-listed Central Baptist Church, 500 NE 1st Ave. Miami, Florida (with Thomas Gardner) It was built on lots donated by Henry Flagler. Gateway to Percy Warner Park, Nashville