In 1907, mining magnate Samuel Newhouse launched a building campaign in an attempt to move the city's commercial center away from Temple Square to Exchange Place, which is four blocks to the south on Main Street.
"[4] For many years afterward, it stood as the "gentile" alternative to the Hotel Utah on the north side of downtown, and hosted many famous musicians and other noteworthy visitors.
[1] After its heyday, the building slowly fell into disrepair and was acquired by Earl Holding, the owner of the nearby rival Little America Hotel.
Though it was deemed too costly to renovate by its new ownership, its nomination for the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 states that the building was "in good condition and had only experienced minor deterioration of fabric.
Despite early plans to redevelop the block, the site eventually became part of a 10-acre parking lot that is now owned by City Creek Reserve.