Background
William B. Powell was born in 1854 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
William B. Powell was born in 1854 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
Mr. Powell began work in the office of Engineer of Bridges and Buildings of the Pennsylvania Railroad, later became an Assistant to John McArthur, Jr. architect of the Philadelphia City Hall, and upon the latter's death, suceeded to his position on the work. In the years between 1872 and 1889 and again after the turn of the century, Mr. Powell practiced independently. He was known to have designed a number of large residences in the city, one of which was the Elkins house at the corner of Broad and Girard Streets, also was architect of the Hotel Majestic and a number of Police Stations.