It is a four-story structure, built mainly out of brick and ceramic blocks, although its southeastern section has upper levels with wood framing and finishing.

The interior retains significant original features, including a bank vault, marble wainscoting, and a 2,500-seat auditorium.

It was built in 1923-24 for the Supreme Lodge of the Woodmen of Union, an African-American social organization, which operated it as a multifunction bathhouse, hotel, hospital, bank, and performance venue.

A 100-bed hospital and nurses training school, a 75-room bath hotel, the Woodman of Union Bank, a 2,500-seat auditorium, an electrically operated printing plant, and executive offices were all located within the building.

[3] As segregation was coming to an end in the 1970s, integrated public facilities became prevalent, and the National Baptist Hotel saw a decline in clientele.