The Marshall Building, at 207 E. Buffalo Street, was built between 1906-1907 and fully completed in 1911. It has housed a grocery business, the Army, Jewish Vocational Services and the American Civil Liberties Union. The six story, red brick building was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark because it’s one the oldest existing example of Claude A.P. Turner’s “spiral mushroom system.” His system of reinforced concrete made for one sturdy, durable building.
Today the building is as an arts hub, and was a major part of the revitalization of the Historic Third Ward neighborhood just a few decades ago. This is in part thanks to the late residential developer George Bockl, who originally bought the building in 1947, and later reacquired it in 1974 with the goal of keeping it an affordable home to the arts community, small businesses, and more.
Now owned by Bockl’s grandson Robert DeToro, the Marshall Building is home to 24 artists’ galleries and studios, many of which open their doors to the public on the quarterly Gallery Night & Day events. These galleries and studios are also joined by office space, tasty Chinese restaurant Jing’s, and more. DeToro is certainly keeping his grandfather’s legacy alive by ensuring the Marshall Building welcomes a slew of vibrant tenants and visitors all year long.