The Milarkey-Murphy Building is a fine example of an Italianate Commercial building, constructed in 1904 for two men related by marriage who belonged to the first Catholic families in the area. This style remained popular in Pendleton long after the East Coast abandoned it. Its brick parapet-level decoration stands out, and the first floor remains very true to its 1904 construction. The second floor once contained a gymnasium and auditorium that became famous for boxing matches. During a major flood of the Umatilla River in June 1906, water flooded the building and rose two feet above the door thresholds. The Milarkey name had previously been used on two buildings on Main St., immediately east of this structure.