Architect John D. Parkinson: Eternally Elevating the Los Angeles Skyline

Author Marques Vickers examines architect John D. Parkinson's life and creative legacy. Parkinson is most noted for his iconic Los Angeles landmarks. His most recognized works include the Los Angeles City Hall, Memorial Coliseum, Union Station, Bullock's Wilshire and the nucleus of USC's campus. Vickers photographs thirty-six of his standing projects and provides background details on their origins and design.
Following four years of steady commissions in Seattle, Parkinson uprooted his practice to Los Angeles in 1894 following a series of financial reversals. Over the next forty years, he was credited with over 200 projects. Fifty remain today creating a blueprint for twentieth century Los Angeles modernism. Despite his achievements, output and recognition during his era, his name is nearly forgotten amongst memorable architects.
Parkinson died in 1935 and both his son and grandson, who carried on his practice died within in twenty years. Their premature passing contributed towards his name receding from public recognition. Many of his prominent skyscrapers formed the core of Los Angeles' downtown financial, theatre and shopping districts. The decline of these sectors during the 1960s into squalor and vice further diminished his reputation.
A current revitalization of Spring and Broadway Streets has renewed appreciation for Parkinson's classic designs and aesthetic contributions. The edition traces the improbable evolution of a master architect from his modest Lancashire, England background. Parkinson left school at thirteen, apprenticed with a Bolton architect while studying evenings at the local Mechanics Institute. His eventual immigration to America included formative stops in Winnipeg, Canada, Minneapolis and Napa.
His genius and innovation first emerged in Seattle through Romanesque Revival styling. His classic Los Angeles designs were articulated through Beaux Arts, Spanish Renaissance and Art Deco. Photographed and elaborated upon in "John D. Parkinson: Eternally Elevating the Los Angeles Skyline"Seattle Years and Projects (1889-1894):Interurban BuildingB. F. Day Elementary SchoolAlexander HallGarrand BuildingLos Angeles Years and Projects (1895-1939)Homer Laughlin Building (Los Angeles' first steel-reinforced and fireproof structure)O.
T. Johnson BuildingBrady Building (Los Angeles' first skyscraper)Trustee BuildingSecurity Bank BuildingAlexandria HotelBullock's Department StoreYorkshire ApartmentsPacific Southwest BankPershing Square RenovationRowan BuildingA. G. Bartlett BuildingWashington BuildingJunipero Serra BuildingCrocker Bank BuildingRosslyn Hotel and Rosslyn AnnexLos Angeles Theatre CenterSecurity Trust and Savings BuildingLos Angeles Memorial ColiseumMetropolitan Annex BuildingHotel Hayward AdditionSouthern California Gas Company ComplexUSC Gwynn Wilson Student Union BuildingLos Angeles City Hall ComplexTitle Insurance and TrustUSC Zumberge Hall of Science BuildingUSC George Finley Bovard BuildingBullock's Wilshire Department StoreLos Angeles Stock ExchangeBanks and Huntley BuildingTitle Guarantee and Trust Building