The Michigan Trust Company was established in 1889 by a group of Grand Rapids businessmen including Anton G. Hodenpyl and Lewis H. Withey.

In 1890 the company purchased a plot of land on which to construct their headquarters building was to stand.

Taking inspiration in the romanesque buildings of Spain and France, Beman designed the structure in the Romanesque Revival style, using red sandstone, red brick and terra-cotta as its facing materials, giving what was to become the city's tallest office building a distinctive, elegant appearance.

In 1913 the Michigan Trust Company constructed two ten-story additions located at the rear of the building.

"[3] A series of other firms owned the building, culminating with its 2012 purchase by CWD Real Estate.