Chandler, Theophilus P. (Theophilus Parsons), 1845-1928

"Rencourt" was the Wilmington, Del., home of Alexis I. du Pont and his family. It was designed by Pennsylvania architect Theophilus P. Chandler, Jr., built in 1890 and demolished in the 1950s.

From the description of Plans of "Rencourt," 1890. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 775014539

Theophilus P. Chandler was born in Boston, Massachussetts and studied one year at Harvard University and later at the Atelier Vaudremer in Paris. He worked in Boston architectural offices until 1872, when he established his own office in Philadelphia to work with landscape architect Robert Copeland on the development of the garden suburb of Ridley Park. In Philadelphia, family connections helped him to obtain residential commissions from prominent families in the region. He did housing development work with other architects and developers, and he also designed and built speculative houses on his own properties. Godey's Lady's Book published some of his cottage designs. In addition, he designed railroad stations and office buildings for railroad companies which served the rapidly growing residential suburbs of the region. Chandler was highly regarded for his ecclesiastical designs. His important built commissions include the Church of the New Jerusalem at 22nd & Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, Calvary Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and the First Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. Chandler was a leader in architectural education in Philadelphia. He taught at the Spring Garden Institute in Philadelphia and served on its Board of Trustees. Later, he was fundamental in founding the Department of Architecture within the University of Pennsylvania's Towne Scientific School and served as the Department's executive head 1890-1891.

From the description of Theophilus P. Chandler architectural drawings and photographs, 1878-1916. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 63585972