Benjamin Marshall

US-architect Benjamin Marshall received his education at a private preparatory academy, the Harvard School, in suburban Kenwood. He apprenticed at an architecture office from 1893-95. At the time of the owner’s death, Marshall became a partner in the firm, and then in 1902 established his own practice.

One of Marshall’s first commissions, the Iroquois Theatre, was the site of a disastrous 1903 fire that caused the deaths of more than 600 people. Nevertheless, his career was only temporarily affected by the disaster. His works included also Chicago’s Drake Hotel, Edgewater Beach Hotel, South Shore Country Club, Blackstone Theater, and Blackstone Hotel.

Marshall’s 1928 entry was the design of his studio and garden located in Wilmette, north of Chicago. It was built in 1921-24 in the style of a Spanish villa on the shore of Lake Michigan. The house, which was the scene of legendary parties, also provided working space for 45 architects. Additionally, the basement was home for the Sheridan Shore Yacht Club. The pink building offered a swimming pool, a garden loggia, an Egyptian and a Pompeian room, a stage for performances, and a Chinese pagoda. In 1936, Marshall sold the villa, which was demolished after World War II.