James O'Donnell (architect) facts for kids

James O'Donnell (1774–1830) was an important architect from Ireland. He designed many famous buildings in New York City and Montreal, Canada. One of his most well-known works is the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal).

James O'Donnell's Life

James O'Donnell was born in 1774 in County Wexford, Ireland. His family was quite wealthy. He grew up to become an architect, which means he designed buildings.

Moving to America

In 1812, when he was 38 years old, O'Donnell moved to the United States. He settled in New York City and became a successful architect there. He designed several important buildings in New York. These included the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum (built from 1818 to 1821), the Fulton Market (built from 1821 to 1822), and Christ Church (built from 1822 to 1823).

O'Donnell loved the Neo-Gothic style of building. He used this style for Christ Church and continued to favor it throughout his career. In 1817, he was chosen to join the American Academy of the Fine Arts in New York.

Building Notre-Dame Basilica

Later, O'Donnell moved to Montreal, Canada. His biggest project there was designing and building the Notre-Dame Basilica. He worked on this huge church from 1823 to 1829.

Final Years

For some years, James O'Donnell had been sick. His health got worse in 1829. In November of that year, he wrote his will. At this time, he decided to change his religion from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism. He passed away shortly after, on January 28, 1830.

James O'Donnell is the only person buried in the crypt (an underground room) of the Notre-Dame Basilica. He converted to Catholicism just before he died. This might have been because he wanted to be buried in the church he had designed.

Images for kids

• 

  Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal)