When the original Rialto Building, a five-story structure, was destroyed by fire in 1909, real estate icon Albert Marty prioritized building a new fireproof skyscraper that would be used to house medical professionals. Completed in 1911, the 13-story steel-frame skyscraper featured Commercial-style architecture by renowned architects Smith, Rea, and Lovitt and was constructed by George L. Brown & Son.