Gold Coast in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

49 East Cedar Street

C. 1909

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

1. 49 East Cedar Street Marker

Inscription. 49 East Cedar Street
C. 1909
Designed and owned by Benjamin Marshall, architect
has been listed on the
Illinois Register of Historic Places
by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 41° 54.136′ N, 87° 37.58′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Gold Coast. It is on Cedar Street 0.1 miles west of North Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 49 East Cedar Street, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bryan Lathrop House (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); Mariano Park (about 500 feet away); Fisher Studio Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Barmaids Ordinance" (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Drake Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Walgreens (approx. ¼ mile away); North Loop Post No. 949 War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Victorian Brownstone Residences (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The Illinois Register of Historic Places was created in 1976 as part of the Illinois Historic Preservation Act, which also created the preservation agency referenced on the plaque. It is not known how many historic sites were added to this register, or whether buildings are still being added to it. While the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency still exists, its website only includes Illinois sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This building is not listed on the NRHP.

Regarding 49 East Cedar Street. The architect Benjamin Marshall (1874-1944) lived for many years in this Gold Coast apartment complex that he designed. Marshall is better known for designing some iconic Chicago-area buildings,

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

2. 49 East Cedar Street Marker

including but not limited to the Drake Hotel (a five-mintue walk southeast of here), the Blackstone Hotel and the South Shore Country Club (now Cultural Center) in Chicago, and the Mayslake Peabody Estate in suburban Oak Brook. He also designed the Iroquois Theater in downtown Chicago, which caught fire during a show in 1903, killing more than 600 people in what remains the worst theater disaster in American history.

Also see . . .
1. Benjamin H. Marshall. A bio from the Benjamin Marshall Society.

Excerpt: "With his 'Great Gatsby' personality, extravagant lifestyle, and his numerous theaters, Marshall's entourage included countless celebrities. Throwing lavish parties at his Wilmette studio/home overlooking Lake Michigan, his guest-list included socialites, royalty, and film and theatre stars such as, Rudolph Valentino, the Ziegfeld Folly Girls, Ethel Barrymore, Houdini, Fred and Adele Astaire, Charlie Chaplin, and many others."

(Submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Under the Radar Works of the Talented and Prolific Benjamin H. Marshall.

Excerpt: "Marshall’s work references
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 25, 2025

3. 49 East Cedar Street
historical architectural styles, however his buildings stand out from other early 20th century eclectic revivals. Built of high-quality materials, his structures are well-proportioned and beautifully detailed. Though often quite lavish, they aren’t at all garish. In fact, they are quite elegant both inside and out."

(Submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Benjamin Marshall testifying at City Council about the Iroquois Theater fire image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 1904

4. Benjamin Marshall testifying at City Council about the Iroquois Theater fire

Marshall was the designer of the Iroquois Theater in downtown Chicago, which caught fire during a show in December 1903, leaving more than 600 people dead. In this photo, Marshall, not yet 30 years old, testifies in City Council hearings about the disaster.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.