Benjamin Brown (architect)
Benjamin Brown (January 14, 1890 – December 11, 1974) was an architect in Toronto. He was born in what is now Lithuania and arrived in Toronto around 1896 with his family. Education Brown attended York Street Public School for a brief time quitting school in 1895 to work in the garment factory to help out his family. In the early 1900s he enrolled in the Ontario School of Art and Design intending to become an artist. When art proved to be a financially unfeasible profession, Brown decided to switch to architecture. Thus, after completing the equivalent of high school, he enrolled in the University of Toronto architectural program graduating in 1913. Career Soon after graduation, Brown opened up a practice with fellow architect Arthur W. McConnell, which lasted until the early 1920s. After the partnership ended, Brown set up an independent practice. Brown was among the first Jewish architects to practice in Toronto during the early 20th century. The discriminatory atmosphere in Toronto in the 1920s was such that it was difficult for Jewish professionals to attract clientele. Thus, Brown's early commissions came primarily from members of the Jewish community. In Toronto's Fashion District, many Jewish clients in the clothing