Benjamin Marshall Society Hosts Film Screening and Discussion at Lake Forest Library October 6

The Benjamin Marshall Society, a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of Chicago architect Benjamin H. Marshall, architect of the iconic Drake Hotel and pioneer of most of East Lake Shore Drive, will present 'Benjamin H. Marshall: Architect' at the Lake Forest Library, 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, on October 6th from 2PM-3PM followed by a discussion after the screening. Admission is free. Benjamin Marshall was a major influence on the architectural landscape of Chicago. Marshall created traditionally detailed buildings that functioned within modern society, juxtaposing conservative and modern features. The impact of his work and lasting legacy still shapes the Chicago skyline to this day. The Benjamin Marshall Society is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Marshall’s birthday with a series of events in 2024. "Marshall was more than an architect,” said Jane Lepauw, Executive Director of the Benjamin Marshall Society. “He made Chicago a world-wide destination with his grand hotels and first-rate entertainment. He was the pioneering architect of East Lake Shore Drive, including the Drake Hotel." The Benjamin Marshall Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the treasures and architectural influence of this prolific classical architect. Marshall was a transformative figure in the architectural history of modern Chicago, skillfully blending traditional details with contemporary functionality in his innovative designs. Remarkably, Marshall became a full-fledged partner at the architectural firm Marble & Wilson at the young age of 19, showcasing his extraordinary self-taught talent. Marshall founded his own firm, Marshall and Fox in 1905, after hiring MIT engineering graduate, Charles E. Fox. Marshall was the visionary behind numerous iconic projects, including the prestigious East Lake Shore Drive, the nonextant Edgewater Beach Hotel and the still existing Edgewater Beach Apartments at the north end of Lake Shore Drive, the Blackstone Hotel and the historic Drake Hotel. His work spanned from the sophisticated 1550 North State Parkway luxury residence to the elegant South Shore Cultural Center. His dedication to urban planning paralleled Burnham’s vision for lakefront conservation, fundamentally shaping new urban Chicago. While his portfolio extended from grand hotels and residences to theaters from New York to Los Angeles, his focus was on the city of Chicago. His architectural legacy spans many classical genres, showcasing the Italian Renaissance grandeur of the Drake Hotel, the delightful pink fantasy of the Spanish Colonial Revival Edgewater Beach Apartments, the neo-classical Parisian splendor of the residential high-rise at 1550 North State Parkway, the Second Empire panache of the Blackstone Hotel on South Michigan Avenue, and the Mediterranean Revival elegance of the South Shore Cultural Center. From the north end of Lake Shore Drive to South Michigan Avenue, his work embodies a diverse range of styles, each a testament to his versatility and artistic vision. Known for his "Great Gatsby" lifestyle, Marshall's social circle was filled with celebrities. He hosted lavish parties at his Wilmette studio/home overlooking Lake Michigan, with guests including Rudolph Valentino, the Ziegfeld Follies, Ethel Barrymore, Houdini, Fred and Adele Astaire, and Charlie Chaplin. For more information about Benjamin Marshall’s architectural legacy and The Benjamin Marshall Society visit www.benjaminmarshallsociety.com. Tickets for this event are limited. To reserve your spot please visit: https://www.lakeforestlibrary.org/event/benjamin-marshall-architect-50219

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2636186-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2636186-2

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