Chesnow was born in Russia in 1894.

Partnered with F.W. Wiedmaier under the firm Wiedmaier & Chesnow, working on several projects, including the impressive Palmer Lodge Apartments. Shortly thereafter, their partnership broke apart, and Wiedmaier partnered with John B. Gay to form Wiedmaier & Gay.

Died at age 65. He is buried at Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale, Mich., just outside Detroit.