The Beaux-Arts structure was designed by Sir Edwin Cooper and built by John Mowlem & Co in 1912–22 as the new headquarters of the Port of London Authority.

It was opened by David Lloyd George, then the British Prime Minister, in 1922, in the presence of the architect and Lord Devonport, the Authority's first chairman.

[1][2] During its heyday, the building was frequented by hundreds of people each day who were paying their dues on goods landed in the port.

[1] The building was badly damaged by German bombing during the Blitz in World War II; the domed rotunda was destroyed.

[1] It was occupied as the Global headquarters of insurance broker Willis Faber Limited[1] following the relocation of the PLA to Smithfield.

The inner courtyard is also much smaller, reduced in area by a "glass box" building that provides space for the hotel rooms.

The old board room of the Port of London Authority with its walnut paneling and rich carvings, which in 1946 hosted the reception for the first meeting of the United Nations, has been restored.

Above rises broad tower embellished with order of Corinthian pilasters and piers, arched niche and colossal figure sculpture.