Thomas O. Sully


Thomas O. Sully was one of the most important architects in New Orleans at the end of the 19th century. Sully's works include the Hennen Building addition and Poplar [Grove Plantation (Louisiana)|Poplar Grove Plantation] in Port Allen, Louisiana.

Early life

Sully was born in Mississippi City, Mississippi, the son of Harriet Jane and George Washington Sully. He was named after his great uncle, portrait painter Thomas Sully. He was raised in New Orleans.

Career

In his early career, Sully apprenticed in Austin, Texas with architects Larmour & Wheelock; and in New York City with architects Slade & Marshall.
In 1877, he returned to New Orleans and in 1881 established his firm. Sully lived at 4010 St. Charles Avenue in a house he built.
In 1887, Sully formed the firm Sulley & Toledano with Albert Toledano, who went on to design several notable buildings in the city. Sully returned to solo practice afterwards and then formed Sully, Burton & Stone. He retired in 1906.
His firm designed a top-floor penthouse office addition to the Hennen Building where they designed their office. It replaced a rooftop garden.
He served as the first president of the Louisiana State Association of Architects, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects established in 1887.
New Orleans architect Sam Stone, who went on to form Stone Brothers with his sons, began his career working at Sully's firm.

Boating aficionado

A boating aficionado, Sully was commodore of the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans for two terms, was photographed on his yacht Helen, and designed boats.

Death

Sully died of pneumonia on March 15, 1939, in New Orleans. The Southeastern Architectural Archive at Tulane University has archival documents related to Sully.

List of work