[1][2] Built in 1911, it is a significant example of unaltered, Modernistic style[citation needed] commercial architecture, combining Late Gothic Revival and Art Deco decorative elements.

The most ornate area of the building's exterior; is the west facade, with embellishments and eighth story step-backs creating a strong vertical and rectilinear effect.

[3] The building is currently controlled by Kansas City-based real estate firm Copaken Brooks and is planned to be used as a mixed commercial and residential property sometime in the future.

During the decade of the 1890s, the Jenkins Company became one of the largest manufacturers of guitars and mandolins in the world and one of the most distinguished publishers of sheet music in the nation.

Following three successive moves, the firm completed in 1912, a six-story fireproof building at 1217 Walnut Street, designed by Smith, Rea & Lovitt and built by Harvey Stiver.

The newly expanded building boasted of an intricate ventilation and air condition system, plus several interior features that enhanced the business aspects of the music company.