Editing John McArthur Jr (section)

== Early Career ==

John McArthur Jr. was born in Bladenock, Scotland, in 1823 and immigrated to Philadelphia with his family as a child. He trained as a carpenter before studying architecture, gaining practical construction knowledge that would prove valuable in managing City Hall's complex construction. McArthur established architectural practice in Philadelphia during the 1840s, designing houses, commercial buildings, and institutions in the prevailing styles of the era. His work demonstrated competence without particular distinction, giving little indication of the monumental commission that would consume his later career.<ref name="tatum">{{cite book |last=Tatum |first=George B. |title=Penn's Great Town: 250 Years of Philadelphia Architecture |year=1961 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |location=Philadelphia}}</ref>

McArthur built a respectable practice through the 1850s and 1860s, with commissions including churches, row houses, and commercial buildings. He served in positions of professional responsibility, participating in architectural organizations and building his reputation within Philadelphia's architectural community. This steady career prepared him for larger commissions, though nothing in his portfolio suggested capacity for the unprecedented challenge of City Hall.<ref name="gallery"/>