Masters of Design: The Reid Brothers
On your visits to the Evansville Museum, you may have seen the bust known as “The Lady of the Grand”. This bust adorned the Grand Opera House, one of many structures designed by the Reid brothers in late 19th century Evansville. After making their mark in our city, the brothers, James and Merritt, relocated to the west coast where they received acclaim for their architectural designs.
Beginning in the late 1870s, James and Merritt Reid designed some of the most significant buildings in Evansville. Canadian by birth and with experience at architectural firms in Boston and Toronto, it is believed James came to Evansville in 1878 at the behest of local railroad tycoon David J. Mackey to design the Evansville and Terre Haute Union Station. Merritt joined his brother in 1880 and over the next decade the Reid Brothers’ firm designed such prominent buildings as the Hotel Vendome, Canal Street (Wheeler) School and the original YMCA. Lasting reminders of their work include homes originally built for Jacob Eichel and Watkins F. Nisbet, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Willard Library—the latter a brilliant example of the Victorian Gothic style.
In 1886, Elisha Babcock, an Evansville railroad executive who moved to San Diego, engaged the Reid Brothers’ firm to design the Hotel del Coronado. The design of the Hotel del Coronado was overseen by James and a third Reid brother, Watson. A crowning achievement of the Reid Brothers, the Hotel del opened in 1888.
Following the inception of the Hotel del Coronado project, James remained in San Diego and opened a West Coast office. Merritt continued to manage the brothers’ Evansville office through August of 1890, and it was in this period that such significant structures as the Evansville Business Men’s Association Building and the Grand Opera House were completed. Considered the finest examples of Richardson Romanesque architecture in the city’s history, these structures were Evansville landmarks well into the twentieth century.
At the behest of James, Merritt joined his brother on the West Coast in 1890 and, based in San Francisco, they established an architectural legacy which grew to include such landmarks as the Spreckels Music Pavilion and Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco and the Oregonian Building in Portland. Merritt and James remained in San Francisco until their deaths in 1932 and 1943 respectively.
The achievements of the Reid Brothers remain fixtures in Evansville and on the West Coast and are inspirations to all who appreciate outstanding architecture.
Thomas R. Lonnberg
Chief Curator & Curator of History
Lady of the Grand on exhibit at the Evansville Museum
The depot of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad was designed by James Reid. Located on Main just beyond Eighth Street, it served the city from the early 1880s until the first years of the 20th century.
Collection of the Evansville Museum
Construction of Willard Library began in 1876 following the plans of architects Robert Boyd and Henry Brickley, however an economic downturn in 1877 forced a halt in the project. When work resumed, the architectural design of the building was assumed by the Reids who were responsible for the appearance of the finished structure. Brandt and Fuller's 1889 History of Vanderburgh County stated: Reid Bros., architects, planned a building, which in its appearance, its completeness and adaptability to the purposes named, is a triumph in architecture, an adornment to the city, and an enduring monument to the wisdom of its projectors and builders.
Collection of the Evansville Museum
The Reid Brothers utilized Bedford and Green River limestone to create the Gothic Revival style St. Paul’s Episcopal Church dedicated in March of 1886. Though the interior and roof were destroyed by fire in 1938, the church’s exterior is a lasting reminder of the work of the brothers.
Collection of the Evansville Museum
This drawing depicts the Grand Opera House (later theater) and the Business Men's Association Building (BMAB) at the southeast corner of Second and Sycamore Streets at the present site of Fifth Third Bank’s parking garage. The BMAB cost $300,000 and provided offices for many businesses during its existence. It was demolished in 1972.
Collection of the Evansville Museum
This is an early 20th century photo of the Grand—by this period known as the New Grand Theatre—and the BMAB. This photo was taken on Sycamore Street looking toward Second Street. Elegant and spacious, the theater initially incorporated 1700 upholstered seats, gas and electric lighting, 10 boxes, and a 50' deep by 70' wide stage. Note the Lady of the Grand bust just below the wording “Opera House”. To the left of the Grand is the original section of the Hotel Vendome, also designed by the Reid Brothers. The Grand was razed in 1963.
Collection of the Evansville Museum
James Reid, and younger brother Watson, designed the iconic Hotel del Coronado near San Diego. Drawn to California by former Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad executive Elisha S. Babcock, Jr. and Chicago piano manufacturer H. L. Story, James Reid created an innovative edifice that is the second largest wooden structure in the country.
Public Domain Photograph