The construction of a new South Station Terminal in 1899, prompted a development boom for the nearby area, which had for the previous decades been almost entirely mercantile and centered around the leather and woolen industries. Due to increased land values and an influx of travelers to the area, developers saw an opportunity toerect this buildingto serve as a hotel for visitors to Boston via South Station.Boston architect, Arthur H. Bowditch, furnished plans for this building in theBeaux Arts/Renaissance Revival style, with use of brick and limestone construction, ornate finishes at the faade including the fluted pilasters, arches and cartouches in the spandrels.The buildingwas completed in 1900 and known asHotel Essexand featured a long, storied history as a hotel until it closed in the second half of the 20thcentury. After years of deteriorating conditions, the building was adapted as the corporate offices for Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation in 1982. The building was restored and has been known as the Plymouth Rock Building ever since.