It is steel-framed and 8 stories high. The lobby is constructed with Carrara Marble, has the original brass mail drop and the original staircase with marble stair plates.
Dedicated in 1917 by President Taft, it was originally named the Modern Brotherhood of America Building. The building site was purchased in January 1916, the first dirt dug that same month. Construction continued through 1916, finishing in early October.
Original businesses were:
Basement: Barber shop, Café, Billiard and Pool Hall, Noiseless Bowling Alley
First Floor: Retail Stores
Second Floor: Shops, Office Rooms, Conveniently Arrange for Sale of High-Class Specialties and Commodities
Third, Fourth and Sixth Floor: Office Rooms
Fifth Floor: Physicians and Dentists Offices Seventh Floor: Lawyers and Attorneys Eighth Floor: Modern Brotherhood of America
Offices Roof: Observatory area, highest building in Mason City
In 2002 the building was listed in the National Register of Historic Place under the M.B.A. name.
