It was believed to be the largest Elks lodge in the country and was built at a cost exceeding a million dollars.
After the 1929 stock market crash, Portland-area Elks membership declined steeply, and by 1932 had dwindled to 450.
The Works Progress Administration moved in at that time, and during World War II the U.S. Army's induction headquarters for Portland were located here.
The building had always included a swimming pool and gymnasium, originally for use by Elks members.
[9] When the Governor Hotel was remodeled in 2004, the main lobby was moved to the Princeton Building or "West Wing".