John Holden Greene

John Holden Greene (September 9, 1777 – September 5, 1850) was an early nineteenth century architect practicing in Providence, Rhode Island. The bulk of his work dates to the late Federal period, and is mostly in the architectural style of the same name.

Life and career Greene was born September 9, 1777, in Warwick, Rhode Island, to Thomas Rice and Mary Greene (née Briggs). In 1794, at the age of seventeen, Greene went to Providence and apprenticed himself to housewright Caleb Ormsbee. Greene completed his apprenticeship and remained in Ormsbee's employ until his death in 1807. Greene then began to work at the same trade under his own name. By 1824, he was listed in the Providence directory as an architect, rather than as carpenter or housewright. He practiced as an architect until his death, but very few buildings can be positively attributed to him after 1830. This is believed to be related to his bankruptcy that resulted from the Panic of 1837 and the depression that followed.

During his career, Greene had many apprentices. The distinctive early nineteenth century Federal architecture of the city is largely attributed to Greene and his apprentices. Architects Albert Harkness, Wallis Eastburn Howe and the firm of Jackson, Robertson & Adams were also responsible for many houses and other buildings in the style. The Federal Revival in Providence lasted from roughly 1900 to 1940.

At least four buildings attributed to Greene have been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

List of architectural works House for John Holden Greene, 33 Thayer St, Providence, Rhode Island (1806, altered) Episcopal Cathedral of St. John, 271 N Main St, Providence, Rhode Island (1810) House for Robert S. Burrough, 6 Cooke St, Providence, Rhode Island (1810) Bristol County Courthouse (former), (The architect of the building is not documented, though Rhode Island architectural historian William Jordy has argued that Greene is the most likely designer.) First Unitarian Church, 301 Benefit St, Providence, Rhode Island (1816) House for Benjamin Hoppin, 283 Westminster St, Providence, Rhode Island (1816, demolished 1875) Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St, Savannah, Georgia (1817–19) House for Candace Allen, 12 Benevolent St, Providence, Rhode Island (1819–20, NRHP-listed 1973) House for Philip Allen, 196 Nelson St, Providence, Rhode Island (1822, altered) House for Stephen Waterman, 181 Weybosset St, Providence, Rhode Island (1823, demolished) Comstock Block, 263-271 S Main St, Providence, Rhode Island (1824) Houses for George and William Bucklin, 8 and 10 Arnold St, Providence, Rhode Island (c.1824) House for Edward Harris, 162 East Ave, Pawtucket, Rhode Island (1827, demolished) Dexter Asylum, 235 Hope St, Providence, Rhode Island (1828, demolished 1966) House for Benoni Cooke, 114 S Main St, Providence, Rhode Island (1828)

Gallery of architectural works