Opened in 1904, the hotel features French Renaissance architecture with semi-glazed terra cotta bricks trimming the red brick exterior. Window balconies and entrances are finished with wrought iron. The developers intended to open in time to house visitors to the Pan-American Exposition in 1901, but financing problems caused the delay. The hotel initially contained 225 guest rooms but was expanded in 1912 to include 370 guest rooms. A ballroom complete with a crystal chandelier was added in 1916. It was considered to be one of the 15 finest hotels in the U.S. and was the first hotel to have both running water and a central vacuuming system in each room. Distinguished guests included Presidents Taft, Wilson, Hoover, and Roosevelt.

After several changes in ownership, the building currently houses long-term tenants and several small businesses.