 When completed in early 1907 the building was advertised as "absolutely fireproof" recalling the fire that had destroyed most of downtown Bismarck in 1898.Following the construction of the adjacent McKenzie Hotel in 1911, built by Patterson and owned by Alexander McKenzie, a close friend of Patterson's, the two hotels were connected to allow patrons of the Soo access to the McKenzie's dining facilities.After McKenzie's passing in 1922, Patterson acquired his hotel and would rename it the Patterson Hotel in March 1927.