The building was influenced by Hewitt and Brown's relationship with designers who were dedicated to the City Beautiful movement.

They intended to save money by grouping their practices in one building, and they also desired "the special advantage of proximity and the facility for making the knowledge and experience of each available to others."

The building was also intended for use at night by architectural students who would work in association with practicing professionals.

The names of prominent architects such as Leonardo da Vinci, Filippo Brunelleschi, Sir Christopher Wren, Charles Follen McKim, and Henry Hobson Richardson are painted in gold within the arches between each pair of third-floor windows.

[2] The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for local significance in architecture and commerce.