Montrose Morris

Montrose W. Morris (March 20, 1861 – April 14, 1916) was an American architect from Brooklyn best known for some of the first multi-unit apartment buildings in New York City. His most well-known buildings include the Alhambra Apartments, Imperial Apartments, and the Renaissance Apartments all in Brooklyn, New York. Most of Morris’ work still stands, adding greatly to the borough's architectural heritage. Morris worked in the prevalent architectural styles of the period, including Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival.

Life and education Morris was born in Hempstead, Long Island on March 20, 1861. His family later moved to Brooklyn and he was educated at the Peekskill Academy. In 1876, he became an apprentice to Manhattan architect Charles W. Clinton, who, in concert with his partner, Hamilton Russell, was responsible for some of New York's most iconic buildings, including the Seventh Regiment Armory, the Graham Court Apartments, and the Masonic Temple (now the New York City Center). Morris was a veteran of Company H, 23rd Regiment, N.G., S.N.Y., a member of Grant Post and the Mistletoe Lodge No. 647, F.&A.M., of Lefferts Council, Royal Acanum, of the Union League Club and Montauk Club of Brooklyn, and the New England Society. He had two sons, Raymond M. and LeRoy C., who worked in his architectural practice starting in 1911; they carried on the firm in their father's name after his early death.

Career Morris opened his architectural office in 1883 in his early 20s. He advertised his services by designing and building his own residence on Hancock Street between Marcy and Tompkins Avenues in the Bedford Stuyvesant district, and then opened it to the public. One of the visitors was developer Louis F. Seitz, who later commissioned three apartment buildings from Morris.

Morris’ most productive years came in the two decades between 1885 and 1905. His most important works are located in all the most desirable Brooklyn neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Park Slope, and Bedford Stuyvesant.

Death and legacy Morris died in his home from unstated causes on April 14, 1916, at age 55. Alhambra Apartments, Brooklyn, 1889–90 109 S 9th Street, Brooklyn, 1890 William H. Beard House, 186 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, 1891 Clermont Apartments, 79-81 Decatur Street, Brooklyn, 1891 Imperial Apartments, Brooklyn, 1892 Renaissance Apartments, Brooklyn, 1892 Poly Prep Lower School - Henry Hulbert House, Brooklyn, 1892 315 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, 1890 515 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, 1893-4 Clarence Walker Seamens residence, Brooklyn, 1900–03 16, 17, 18, 19, 21-22 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, 1899-1901 100, 121, 123-129 Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn 76-82 St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn, 1885 186 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, 1905 143-53 Eighth Avenue, Brooklyn, 1910–11 Chatelaine Hotel, 1350 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, 1915-16