[1][2][3] The building was designed in the Inter-war Art Deco style by Talbot Hobbs, an architect responsible for a number of buildings in the Perth Central Business District.

[6][7][8] The first major tenant in the building was the Economic Store, of which the Perth Mayor Sir William Lathlain was the proprietor.

[5] The building took on its current name when the Walsh's Menswear store opened on the ground level.

The basement of the building was used as a food court until a 2007 fire caused extensive damage, forcing its closure.

[9] It was classified by the National Trust of Western Australia in 1978.