Close Window Jackson and McIlvain The Kansas City architectural firm of Jackson and McIlvain are credited with the design of both the 1909 and 1912 Elms Hotel structures. Frederick McIlvain was a draftsman in noted Kansas City architect Louis Curtiss' office from 1892 until around 1908 when he formed a partnership with Frank Jackson. Jackson and McIlvain continued their partnership until 1916. Among their other works were a theatre in Parsons, Kansas (1913); the S. S. Kresge Store in Kansas City (1912-13); a commercial building at 3240 Main Street, Kansas City (1914); and several Kansas City residences. The second Oaks Hotel, opened in 1913 in Excelsior Springs, is credited to Frank Jackson. Frederick McIlvain was born in Bloomington, Illinois in 1873. He was active in professional architectural organizations in Kansas City, serving as Treasurer of the Kansas City Architectural Club in 1902 and as Secretary in 1903. He died a few months after retiring in 1926. Frank J. Jackson was born around 1873. He worked as a carpenter before becoming a draftsman in the office of Kansas City architect Frederick Hill, in 1896. The following year he was employed by the firm of Van Brunt and Howe. He opened his own office in 1901 and practiced alone until 1908 when he formed the partnership with Frederick McIlvain. After a long siege of ill health, he committed suicide in 1917. Louis Curtiss, also appears to have been involved to some degree in the design of the 1909 building. Curtiss designed the Clay County State Bank building in Excelsior Springs, now operated as the Excelsior Springs Historical Museum and Archives. Close Window