Benedict, J.B. (Jacques Benois), 1879-1948

Jules Jacques Benois Benedict (J.J.B. Benedict) was born in Chicago, IL in 1879 and was educated in Paris at l'Ecole des Beaux-Arts School of Architecture. Benedict joined Frist and Granger, Architects, in Chicago where he stayed from 1899-1902. In 1906, he began work for Carrere and Hastings in New York City. In 1909, he moved to Denver and established his own firm. Benedict was characterized by his perfectionism and European schooling that showed up in his work with touches of Italianate and Mediterranean styles, all showcased with his extensive use of terra cotta, stone and brick. During his career, Benedict became an authority on church architecture. Benedict refused to join the A.I.A. and opposed the plan for the Denver City and County building which 39 of his colleagues supported. He was known to have burned his designs in order to protect his intellectual property. Benedict later made his home at the Colburn Hotel in Denver. He was the president of Capitol Properties Co., member of the Denver County Club, the Wigwam Club, the Denver Art Museum, the Genessee Mountain Ski Club, the American Legion, the Isaak Walton League, and the Beaux Arts Society of New York. J.J.B. Benedict did not retire until almost age seventy. He died on January 14, 1948 in Mercy Hospital.