The property was originally owned by Hugh Forbis, president of the Forbis-Toole Company (an investment company that handled farm loans, mortgages, and irrigation bonds. The company had offices in the building). Ownership stayed in the Forbis family until the Masonic Temple Association purchased the property in 1954.
Since construction, the building's primary tenant has been Missoula Lodge #13, A.F&A.M., which has meeting rooms on the third floor and a dining room and billiard room on the second floors. Other tenants of the building have included commercial businesses, offices, and even a business college. Montana Power Company occupied the building, beginning in the 1920s.
The building was designed by Link and Haire, Montana's most prolific early twentieth century architectural firm.[2]
