[2] The building was built during the rapid growth in Portland's business district after the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905.

It features a reinforced steel-frame structure with facades of yellow brick and glazed terra cotta.

In 1918, the Portland Gas and Coke Company signed a lease with the Failing estate, at which time it was named the Gasco Building.

A ceramic veneer was added which covered the original large window openings on the first and second floors.

With the addition of new steel awnings, concrete pilasters, and decorative tile, the building's facade was renovated to an approximation of its original 1913 appearance.