It was designed by Montreal architecture firm Ross and Macdonald, and was constructed between 1930 and 1931.

[4] The Architects' Building was designed shortly after the same firm's celebrated Édifice Price in Quebec City and showed similarities in its style and massing.

[5] Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) first leased space in the building in 1934 and shortly afterwards became the principal occupant.

At the time, CIL was jointly owned by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) and DuPont.

A U.S. antitrust settlement in 1954 required the termination of all joint ventures between the two companies.