Town and Davis

U.S. Custom House, at New York, New York, 1833 to 1842.

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(Est. New York 1829-1835)

One of the earliest American architectural partnerships, the firm of Ithiel Town and Alexander J. Davis was formed in New York in 1829 and lasted until 1835. For eighteen months in 1832-1833, the partnership became Town, Davis, and Dakin, when James H. Dakin joined the firm.

A leading force in the new Revival styles, including Greek, Gothic, Tuscan, and Egyptian, the firm produced several influential designs across a wide spectrum of building types. They created civic, institutional and academic buildings in both urban and suburban settings.

The firm successfully combined the practical experience of Town with the innovations of Davis and the enterprise of Dakin. Ithiel Town, the head of the firm, used his prestige, ability and contacts to obtain many of the firm's commission. He and Dakin generally supervised the work while Davis and Dakin handled most of the creative design details.

Most of the designs were created with equal effort on all parts. Although frequently away from the office, Town usually contributed to all of the important designs. The firm generated a collaborative effort that strongly influenced the development of American nineteenth century architecture.

References
Adolf K Placzek. Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects. Vol. 1-4. London: The Free Press, 1982. ISBN 0-02-925000-5. NA40.M25.

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