Ehrick Kensett Rossiter (September 14, 1854 – October 14, 1941) was an American architect known for the country homes he designed.

Biography

Rossiter was born to American parents in Paris, France, on September 14, 1854. His father, Thomas Pritchard Rossiter (1818-1871), was a Hudson River School artist. Ehrick attended The Gunnery school in Washington, Connecticut, graduating in 1871. He then studied architecture at Cornell University, where he received a degree in 1875. He practiced architecture in New York City from 1877 until 1921, working first with partner Frank A. Wright and later with John Muller. He designed residential, institutional and public buildings in New England, New York, New Jersey and Maryland, many of which are now designated as historic properties. Rossiter was a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Architectural League of New York. He retired in 1921 and subsequently made his home in Washington, Connecticut. He died in White Plains, New York, on October 14, 1941.

Works

Among Rossiter's architectural designs are 25 estate homes, referred to as "summer cottages", and artist's studios in Washington, Connecticut, most in the Queen Anne ("shingle style") and colonial revival styles. Rossiter buildings in Washington include: Other Rossiter designs include:

Conservation

In 1889 Rossiter bought about 100 acre of land in the Shepaug River valley in Washington, Connecticut, in order to protect the land from logging. This parcel later became the first piece of the Steep Rock Land Trust, which he established with a 1925 donation of 186 acre. Through purchases and donations, the land trust's holdings have since increased to 2700 acre.

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