Clinton Briggs Ripley facts for kids

Clinton Briggs Ripley (born February 13, 1849 – died February 13, 1922) was an important architect who worked in Honolulu, Hawaii from the 1890s to the 1920s. An architect is someone who designs buildings. Ripley helped shape the look of Honolulu with his unique building designs.

Early Life and Career Journey

Clinton Briggs Ripley was born in a town called Peru, Maine. He started his career in 1871 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There, he formed a company called Ripley & Co. with William K. Ripley.

After working in Tennessee, he moved to Los Angeles. Around 1890, he finally settled in Hawaii. This move marked the beginning of his significant contributions to Hawaiian architecture.

Designing Buildings in Hawaii

In 1894, Ripley became the Commissioner of Patents. Later, he teamed up with another architect named Charles William Dickey. This partnership happened during a time when many new buildings were being constructed in Hawaii, from 1896 to 1900.

After this busy period, Ripley briefly led the Concrete Construction Company. He then returned to Honolulu in 1910. He partnered first with Arthur L. Reynolds and then with Louis E. Davis from 1913 until his death. Both Reynolds and Davis became famous architects themselves. Reynolds designed the Aloha Tower, and Davis designed President William McKinley High School.

Ripley's Architectural Style

Many of Ripley's early buildings in Downtown Honolulu were built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style often uses strong, heavy stone and round arches.

Some of his well-known buildings include:

• The old Central Fire Station (built in 1896, later updated).
• The Bishop Estate Building on Merchant Street (1896).
• The Irwin Block on Nuuanu Street (1897).
• The Progress Block on Fort Street (1897), which is now part of Hawaii Pacific University.

He also designed the H.P. Baldwin Home in 1899 with Charles Dickey. In 1911, he designed Hawaii Hall for the new University of Hawaii with Arthur Reynolds.

Later Life

Clinton Briggs Ripley passed away in Oakland, California, on his 73rd birthday.

Images for kids

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  Bishop Estate Building, 1896 (with Dickey)

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  Pauahi Hall, Punahou School, 1896 (with Dickey)

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  Progress Block, 1897

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  Irwin Block, 1897 (with Dickey); bought by Nippu Jiji (1895-) in 1923

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  Thomas Guard House, Hilo (with Louis E. Davis)