Completed in 1894, it is the only known surviving work in the state of the regionally prominent Damon Brothers architects, and it was the first major commercial building on South Main Street.

It is a four-story brick building, with a basement that is partially exposed due to the lot's sloping terrain.

Its most prominent feature is the oriel tower at the northwest corner, a signature element of Damon Brothers design.

(The earlier buildings included civic and social meeting spaces on upper levels.)

In 1908 it was purchased by John Butler Smith, who converted it to a hotel serving travelers arriving at the nearby railroad station, and gave the building its present name.