The nearby Big Muddy oil field brought prosperity to Glenrock, stimulating the growth of the town's commercial district.

The building was built for the Glenrock Investment Company, a consortium of local investors, by Edward R. Reavill.

By the late 1920s the oil boom had ended and the theater passed through several owners, closing intermittently.

[2] The second floor of the block was occupied by a variety of professional offices and Commerce Hall, a community meeting room.

Prominent terra cotta medallions are placed at the center of the two main facades, both with "The Commerce Block" incised.