[8] Construction began in late 1905 and after several delays the frame of the $800,000 building was complete in 1907 and it finally opened to visitors on February 28, 1909.

Bulger & Son, its unique neoclassical exterior was fitted with gray granite pillars, gold ornamentation, and terra cotta columns on a brick and steel structural frame, while the interior was finished with African mahogany, tile and marble.

A rooftop observatory provided views over the growing city and up to 20 miles (32 km) over rural landscape.

[12] The Order also requested that Stone Street, named after a Dallas Civil War hero, be changed to Praetorian Lane; this was denied by the City in 1952.

The structure changed hands over successive years and fell into foreclosure; by 1993 low occupancy forced the building to close.

It became the 10th office building in a five-block stretch to close its doors during the five-year period of economic hardship for the downtown business district.

[4] In 2010 the building was one of several in the Main Street District to be purchased by Timothy Headington, developer of The Joule Hotel, with plans for redevelopment.