Jean Hall facts for kids

Jean Hall (1896-1982) was a talented Canadian architect. She was the second woman to graduate from the architecture program at the University of Toronto in 1923. Before her, only Esther Hill had achieved this.

Jean Hall was also the first Canadian-trained female architect to design a building in Canada. This building was a fourplex (a building with four separate apartments) built in 1925. She was known for being very good at mechanical drawing and painting.

Becoming an Architect

Jean Hall first studied General Arts at the University of Toronto. She decided that an art degree wasn't quite right for her future career. So, in 1917, she began training in architecture. Her father encouraged and supported her studies.

While she was studying in 1922, Jean Hall became the vice-president of the University Architectural Club. This shows she was already a leader among her fellow students.

Her First Building Design

Soon after she graduated, Jean Hall designed an important building. It was the fourplex located at 63 Jerome Street in Toronto. This building is in the West Bend neighborhood, near High Park North.

The fourplex at 63 Jerome Street Toronto, designed by Jean Hall.

Jean Hall's Career Challenges

Jean Hall worked as an artist until 1927. Even though she had a successful start with her fourplex design, she found it hard to continue her career in architecture. She tried many times to find work as an architect.

Unfortunately, her efforts were made even harder by the Great Depression. This was a very difficult time when many people lost their jobs. During this period, her father's building company also closed down. Later, Jean Hall worked as a medical claims processor for Toronto's Workmen's Compensation Board.