[4] The impetus for creating the Buena Vista was an anticipation of increased vehicular traffic upon the completion of the Coolidge Dam and a newly-paved highway from Globe to the Gila Valley.

When the Buena Vista Hotel opened on October 15, 1929, it was considered a luxurious retreat, where most of the rooms were adorned with commodious furnishings and private bathrooms.

Many well-known and up-and-coming musicians appeared at the Matador Room over the years, such as Patsy Cline, Billy Walker, Lefty Frizzell, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson and future Hee Haw star, Roy Clark.

[7] In 1987, the property was sold at an auction and remained dormant until the building was demolished in 1994,[8] despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[3][9] Designed by Tucson's influential architect Henry O. Jaastad, the prominent hotel was considered to be one of the finest examples of Mission Revival architecture in Arizona.