Dec 12, 1976
National Register of Historic Places - Henry B. Tompkins House
Statement of Significance: The Henry B. Tompkins House and its landscaped gardens is an outstanding example of the work of Neel Reid, one of the most respected early twentieth century Atlanta architects. Totally unaltered in design and plan since its building in 1922, the house is one of the most complete remaining examples of the Reid villa. Mr. Henry B. Tompkins, the man for whom the house was built and a close friend of Neel Reid, has lived there for over fifty years. The house's design has thus been respected by the owner from the beginning. Neel Reid, born in in 1885 in Jacksonville, Alabama, came to Atlanta in 1904 as an apprentice in the office of Atlanta architect W. F. Denny. The following year he enrolled in Columbia University's School of Architecture, and in 1906 left for Paris with Hal Hentz (later his partner) to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. At the Ecole he entered the atelier libre of Laloux. In 1909, Reid and Hentz formed a partnership with veteran Atlanta architect G. L. Norrman who died that year. In 1913, Rudolph Adler, who also had studied at Columbia, joined the firm, which became one of the most outstanding in the city until Reid's untimely death in 1926. Reid, whose work in both quality and style reflects his experience at the Ecole, was the principal designer, and his work can be seen throughout early twentieth century Atlanta suburbs from Druid Hills on the northeastern edge of the city to Tuxedo Park and other later residential areas of the northwest section. In the Tompkins House, it is possible to observe Reid's outstanding characteristics as an architectural designer; his mastery of scale and ability to create controlled dimensions and open space within a small volume, the freedom with which he used elements and yet maintained a consistently formal tone throughout, and the skill with which he provided for the practical needs relatively affluent and gracious suburban life style of his clients.
National Register of Historic Places - Henry B. Tompkins House
Statement of Significance: The Henry B. Tompkins House and its landscaped gardens is an outstanding example of the work of Neel Reid, one of the most respected early twentieth century Atlanta architects. Totally unaltered in design and plan since its building in 1922, the house is one of the most complete remaining examples of the Reid villa. Mr. Henry B. Tompkins, the man for whom the house was built and a close friend of Neel Reid, has lived there for over fifty years. The house's design has thus been respected by the owner from the beginning. Neel Reid, born in in 1885 in Jacksonville, Alabama, came to Atlanta in 1904 as an apprentice in the office of Atlanta architect W. F. Denny. The following year he enrolled in Columbia University's School of Architecture, and in 1906 left for Paris with Hal Hentz (later his partner) to study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. At the Ecole he entered the atelier libre of Laloux. In 1909, Reid and Hentz formed a partnership with veteran Atlanta architect G. L. Norrman who died that year. In 1913, Rudolph Adler, who also had studied at Columbia, joined the firm, which became one of the most outstanding in the city until Reid's untimely death in 1926. Reid, whose work in both quality and style reflects his experience at the Ecole, was the principal designer, and his work can be seen throughout early twentieth century Atlanta suburbs from Druid Hills on the northeastern edge of the city to Tuxedo Park and other later residential areas of the northwest section. In the Tompkins House, it is possible to observe Reid's outstanding characteristics as an architectural designer; his mastery of scale and ability to create controlled dimensions and open space within a small volume, the freedom with which he used elements and yet maintained a consistently formal tone throughout, and the skill with which he provided for the practical needs relatively affluent and gracious suburban life style of his clients.
Dec 12, 1976
Posted Date
Aug 11, 2023
Historical Record Date
Dec 12, 1976
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
