[1] The hotel's oldest section was constructed in 1853 for Capital University, and served the school for about 20 years.

[3] The hotel portion was constructed fronting Goodale and High Streets, built at an estimated cost of $40,000.

[4] The oldest portion of the hotel was a recitation hall and dormitory building constructed for Capital University in 1853, which had moved there from East Town Street.

The move was prompted by Lincoln Goodale, president of the university board, donating the four acres of land in 1852.

The new building was dedicated by numerous Lutheran church leaders and the later U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward.

[1][3] Once the school left, the building had numerous expansions, to include restaurants, stores, offices, and taverns.

[3] Ground was broken for the Park Hotel on August 17, 1876, with an expected completion time of autumn 1877.

[7] In February 1878, a real estate holder gave a "presentation festival" at the still-unfinished hotel.

[9] In November 1878, it was reported that the hotel would hold a grand opening on February 22, 1879, Washington's Birthday.

[10] This event was rescheduled for March 4, given the realization that a banquet held on Saturday into Sunday could keep away religious residents.

[12] In its initial operation, the hotel was owned by Fred Michel and managed by Rush Field.

[13] Michel arranged a banquet, later changed to a "grand military prize drill and brass band tournament", to raise funds, dispose of his real estate holdings, and adjust his and the hotel's financial matters.

[14] By late October, a premature statement was made that the hotel would close, though a correction indicated the owners would make changes yet keep it open.

[21] A United Commercial Travelers (UCT) building was announced on the site between the hotel and Goodale Park in July 1906, to be designed by architects Marriott & Allen.

[24] The hotel officially reopened on October 6, 1906, after extensive renovations, and celebrated with two public receptions.

The demolition contractor promised to look for the building's cornerstone and place it on display in the university's Bexley campus.