Russell Warren

Russell Warren (1783–1860) was an American architect, best known for his work in the Greek Revival style. He practiced in Bristol and Providence.

Life and career Warren was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island. He arrived in Bristol in 1800, and began to design and build unique Federal-style houses for the upper and middle class residents of that town. In 1823, Warren left Providence and went south to Georgetown, South Carolina, where he became a building contractor. In 1826 Warren moved back to Rhode Island, opening an architect's office in Providence. In 1828, he collaborated with fellow Providence architect James C. Bucklin of Tallman & Bucklin in the design of the Westminster Arcade, designing the Westminster Street facade. He joined Tallman & Bucklin formally in 1830, the firm becoming Warren, Tallman & Bucklin. This firm was dissolved the following year, although they occasionally collaborated in later years. Warren would become the foremost architect in southeastern New England, working as far away as Plymouth.

For a few months in 1835 and 1836, Warren worked with Alexander J. Davis in New York, who had recently left his partnership with Ithiel Town. The Congregational Church in New Bedford was conceived under Davis at this time, but was built by Warren after he had returned to Providence.

Although he had never been to Greece, Warren was a master of Greek architectural styles. In 1838, he designed a set of three Greek Revival houses within 50 feet of each other on Hope Street in Bristol. Each house represented one of the different Greek styles: an Ionic house for future governor Francis M. Dimond, a Corinthian house for Captain Josiah Talbot, and a Doric house for Captain John Fletcher. From then until his death, Warren practiced independently. His commissions waned in the 1850s, owing to the emergence of other architects such as Thomas A. Tefft and Alpheus C. Morse.

Warren died in 1860. He is buried in Grace Church Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island.

In 1842, at the dedication at New Bedford of Warren's new Parker House, the president of the corporation said of Warren and Providence, "Her architects have made it a “City of Palaces”; she has furnished us with hosts who will give to the world a stranger’s welcome."

Architectural works

Russell Warren, 1800–1823 and 1826–1830 William van Doorn House, 86 State St., Bristol, RI (1807) Hey-Bonnie Hall (William DeWolf House), 127 Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, RI (1808) – Demolished 1944. Russell Warren House, 92 State St., Bristol, RI (1810) Westminster Arcade, 130 Westminster St., Providence, RI (1827–28) – Designed in association with Tallman & Bucklin. Bristol County Courthouse, 441 County St., New Bedford, MA (1828–31) Westminster Congregational Church, 121 Mathewson St., Providence, RI (1828–29) – Later the Rialto Theatre. Mostly demolished. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 21 Lyndon St., Warren, RI (1829) – Altered. Joseph Grinnell House, 379 County St., New Bedford, MA (1830)

Warren, Tallman & Bucklin, 1830–1831 Chatham County Courthouse, 133 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA (1830–33) – Demolished in 1889. City Hotel, 164 Weybosset St., Providence, RI (1831) – Demolished in 1903. Grace Episcopal Church, 175 Mathewson St., Providence, RI (1832) – Demolished only a decade later for the Upjohn church. Pilgrim Hall (Portico), 75 Court St., Plymouth, MA (1833–34) – The building stands, but Warren's portico was replaced in 1922. Elmhyrst (William Vernon, Jr. House), 23 Freeborn St., Middletown, RI (1833) North Christian Church, Purchase & Middle Sts., New Bedford, MA (1833) – Demolished 1923. St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 399 Hope St., Bristol, RI (1833) – Burned 1858. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2679 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI (1833) – Altered. William R. Rodman House, 188 County St., New Bedford, MA (1833–36) North Baptist Church, N. Baptist & Farewell Sts., Newport, RI (1834) – Demolished 1906. Warren Ladies' Seminary, 340 Main St., Warren, RI (1834) – Burned in 1863. Zion Episcopal Church, 49 Touro St., Newport, RI (1834) – Later St. Joseph's, now the Jane Pickens Theatre. Altered.

Davis & Warren, 1835–1836 Dutch Reformed Church, 132 Grand St., Newburgh, NY (1835) White Hall, Bristol College, Croydon, PA (1835) – Largely demolished. Francis M. Dimond House, 617 Hope St., Bristol, RI (1838) Smithville Seminary, 29 Institute Ln., North Scituate, RI (1839) Atlantic House, 141 Pelham St., Newport, RI (1840) – Demolished in 1876. Nathan Durfee House, Prospect St. at Rock, Fall River, MA (c.1840) – Demolished. Parker House, 888-908 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA (1841–42) – Demolished.

Attributed to Warren

Building Location Year Notes References John Howe House Bristol, RI 1807 341 Hope St. Often called "The Four Eagles" James D. Hathaway House Fall River, MA 1843 311 Pine St. William B. Spencer House Phenix, RI 1847 2 Ames St.

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