At the inns finalized construction, the University of Washington campus was hosting the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition, a world fair dedicated to publicizing the development of the Pacific Northwest.

[4] The hotels opening day coincided with the starting date of the Exposition, serving as one of the few commercial buildings in the immediate area built in time for the event.

Since, the building's ground floor has housed various businesses, from restaurants, confectioneries, cigar shops, and other various services catering to travelers.

[3] Following a complete restoration in 1979, the inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, and now stands as the oldest hotel remaining in Seattle.

[5] This restoration included the reintroduction of the buildings historical architectural features, such as original room configurations, and a terrazzo floor with the “Ye College Inn” inscription still intact.