Completed in 1910 by owner Thomas Higgins, an Irish American, the 10-story building was originally used for office space.

He then decided to head west, towards the Rocky Mountains and stayed alive by avoiding Indian attacks by not sleeping beside his open fire at night.

He heard that there were fortunes to be won in Peru and Arizona and tossed a coin to decide which direction to go.

The Los Angeles Times reported in 2006: "The building's grand size, marble-lined hallways, zinc-lined doors and window frames, black-and-white mosaic tile lobby and 'wholesome and healthful' water -- purified through filters in the sub-basement -- attracted prominent businessmen.

[Albert C.] Martin [Sr.], who would emerge as one of the most successful architects and structural engineers in Southern California, based his company there for 35 years.

In addition to its architect Albert C. Martin, Sr., previous tenants included Clarence Darrow as well as the chancery office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

[3] After spending many years derelict and underwater, the building was finally rescued by entrepreneurs Andrew Meieran and Marc Smith.