[2] The railroad hotel was conveniently located near the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway (DSS&A) Depot.

[4][5] In summer 1977, the hotel began receiving condemnation notices for failing to meet health and safety standards.

However, a newly formed committee called "Save the Janzen" renovated the building after they raised $30,000 plus matching funds from the city.

The building was purchased by the committee in January 1984 from owner Doris M. Bullock[7] and began operation as the non-profit Janzen House, a shelter "for potentially homeless people" in the Marquette area.

[2] The building was listed as a Michigan State Historic Site on May 8, 1984, for its architectural significance and as a reminder of Marquette's boom years.