One of many structures in downtown Jacksonville designed by Klutho after the Great Fire of 1901, it is considered his Prairie School masterpiece.

In addition to lodging for 500 guests, it boasted a passenger elevator and a restaurant with excellent cuisine.

Touring orchestras performed concerts for the guests, who included society people, celebrities and the rich.

Jacksonville's Great Fire of 1901 destroyed most of the city, including the original St. James.

Jacob and Morris Cohen purchased the St. James property from the Windsor after agreeing not to build a hotel.

When dedicated on October 21, 1912, it was the largest structure in Jacksonville, occupying an entire city block.

The St. James Building was the featured article in The Western Architect and Klutho's work was highlighted throughout the magazine in June 1914.

[4][5] The most striking interior feature was a 75 ft octagonal glass dome, which served as a skylight.

Demolition of all interior walls and partitions was required to remove the effects of prior renovations.