James A. Johnson

Who was James A. Johnson?

James Addison Johnson was a Buffalo, New York architect known for his design of various architectural landmarks and his use of decorative work that many consider a foreshadowing of art deco design.

Johnson was born and educated near Syracuse, New York. Johnson apprenticed and partnered with architects Edward Kent, Joseph Lyman Silsbee, Richard Morris Hunt, James Marling and the firm of McKim, Mead and White in New York City.

Johnson came to Buffalo in 1892 and continue his architectural practice. Significant projects from this period include the Alexander Main Curtiss House designed with partner James Marling.

After Marling's death, Johnson formed a partnership with the German born and trained architect August Esenwein. From its inception in 1897 Esenwein & Johnson was one of the most successful architectural firms of the time and is credited with the design of many buildings that have become Buffalo landmarks. These include the Niagara Mohawk Building, the United Office Building in Niagara Falls, New York, the Ellicott Square Building and various buildings for the Pan-American Exposition notably the Temple of Music.