Background
Eugene Malmer was born in Aurora on March 25, 1873, and was a graduate of East Aurora High School, and the Armour Institute of Technology. From 1893 to 1895 he attended the Chicago School of Architecture at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied with William Le Baron Jenney, father of the skyscraper. An alliance was established between the Armour Institute and the Art Institute in 1893, by which the former furnished instruction in the scientific and mathematical branches, and the latter in the artistic and technical work.
Professional Career
Following his education, Malmer became associated with the Chicago architectural firm of his instructor, William A. Otis. Otis lectured on the history of architecture for the Art Institute, in particular the French and Italian Renaissance period. His firm, Otis Architects and Engineers (later Otis and Clark), exhibited in the Chicago Architecture Club Exhibits. This club included the now renowned architects of the Prairie style, including Wright, Maher, Perkins, Spencer, and Talmadge. Malmer was also a member of the Illinois Society of Architects.
Working in Aurora
Malmer designed buildings in the Aurora area from 1903 until 1918, including the following: