It is notable as one of the few surviving examples of early-20th-century Commercial Style architecture in the city, which was once common.

The Albuquerque Citizen reported in November 1905, After two years of idleness, the vacant lots at the corner of Railroad avenue and John street, at present occupied by the repulsive ruins of the burned Highland hotel, are to be beautified by the erection of a three-story business block.

[4]Raynolds also built the neighboring Occidental Life Insurance Building, which was demolished in 1978.

[6] In 1983-84, the hotel was restored and converted to office space as part of the Union Square redevelopment.

[7] The Highland Hotel is a three-story brick building exhibiting relatively simple Chicago School or Commercial style architecture.