Charles McMillen (architect) facts for kids

Charles M. McMillen (born 1854, died 1911) was an amazing architect from Ireland. He became very well known for the buildings he designed in places like Duluth, Minnesota and Wilmington, North Carolina. Charles McMillen often used a special building style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style uses strong, heavy stone and round arches, making buildings look grand and solid.

Moving to North Carolina

In 1898, Charles McMillen won a big contest. He was chosen to design the Masonic Temple in Wilmington, North Carolina. Because of this exciting project, he decided to move to Wilmington.

A local newspaper, the Wilmington Messenger, reported something very impressive. It said that Charles McMillen had already designed 14 Masonic Temple buildings before moving to Wilmington! He continued to design many buildings in North Carolina for about ten years.

Famous Buildings He Designed

Charles McMillen created many important and beautiful buildings. Here are some of his notable works:

• Old Masonic Temple, located in Duluth, Minnesota.
• The Messenger and Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Building (built in 1899) in Wilmington, North Carolina.
• The Murchison National Bank (built in 1902) in Wilmington.
• The Southern Building (built in 1905) in Wilmington.
• The I.M. Bear Building (built in 1906) in Wilmington.
• The Carolina Yacht Club, which is located near Wilmington.
• He also worked on the Wright-Harriss Bellamy House. He changed its style from Italianate to the beautiful Queen Anne style.
• The Bridgers House (built in 1905).
• The Masonic Temple in Wilmington, North Carolina.
• The Grand Lodge Masonic Temple in Raleigh, North Carolina.