Benjamin Apartments
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Completed in 1924, this apartment building is a good example of multi-family housing constructed in the south end of downtown Houston after World War I. Successful businessman Benjamin Cohen (1875-1951) hired noted Houston architect Alfred Finn to design the building. Its style is simple but reveals influences of the Arts and Crafts movement prominent at the time. Cohen and his wife, Annie (Solomon) (1875-1951), lived in one of the apartments while renting the remaining three to other prosperous Houstonians. After Cohen sold the building in 1945, it was used as a private hospital but lay vacant for much of the late 20th century. A rehabilitation project in 2000 returned the Benjamin Apartments to viable use as commercial office space. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2001
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Finished in 1924, this apartment building answered the demand for stylish multi-family housing in downtown Houston's south end after World War I. A successful businessman hired a noted local architect — later famous for grand civic works — to design it, and the couple lived in one unit while renting the others to well-off tenants. After decades as a hospital and then long vacancy, a 2000 rehabilitation returned it to use as offices.
Why it matters
The building reflects the postwar urban boom of the 1920s and the rise of apartment living, along with the later movement to preserve and repurpose America's historic architecture.
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Related people
- · Benjamin Cohen
- · Annie Solomon Cohen
- · Alfred Finn
Themes & tags
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