The hotel was designed by Eugene Malmer and named after Arthur Knell, the brother of the owner.

Renamed the Traction Terminal Building, the first floor was converted into a waiting station and diner.

Other professional entities, such as health care practices and insurance offices, also moved into the building on upper levels.

The twenty-year lease to the railroad ended in 1935, but the Traction Terminal name stuck with the building.

With decreased usage of the Aurora train system, the downtown area fell into disrepair.

The remaining floors are undetailed brick, but do have double-hung windows matching the southern facade.

Similarly, the western facade is blocked on the first two floors with windows and a faded painted sign.