Built in 1914, the Neoclassical hotel occupies the northeastern corner of the intersection of High and Union Streets.

[1] The primary portion of the hotel is a brick building, seven stories tall;[2] it rests on a concrete foundation[3] and is covered by a flat roof.

Many large buildings were erected in the city's downtown, including the still-standing Hotel Argonne and the Ohio Theatre.

[5] In 1986, the Barr Hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its significance in overall American history.

[6] Tenants in the building are professionals working in the downtown Lima area as well as local university students.