Built in 1927–28, the building was designed by Davenport, Iowa, architecture firm Clausen, Kruse & Klein.

Decorative panels situated near the building's entrance feature Art Deco and Egyptian elements, including rows of chevrons and a guilloché of lotus buds.

The Winnebago Forum, renamed The Republican in 1845, was the first city paper to have a lengthy publishing period (1842-1862).

However, the building was only used for two years; after its acquisition by Simms, a new tower was built on the other side of the Rock River.

The building remained in the possession of the Simms family, who leased it to the George Rogers Clark Mutual Company.