The Marks family were early merchants in Mendocino County who held a grand opening for an elegant new department store at this location in 1899 and by 1905 had become prominent local citizens. The corner building became the most visible structure in the downtown and an extremely successful business location. On June 18, 1917, a fire destroyed or damaged over 20 downtown structures, including the Marks Building, and afterward its exterior and interior were extensively remodeled. The corner store was then leased to John & Louise Malgulas, who operated a candy factory and sweet shop. In 1921 the Poulas family purchased the candy business and named it the Maple Confectionery, later changing the name to Maple Café, which had its own ice cream machine, soda fountain, and dining room. For many years it also served as the Greyhound Bus Depot. The Maple Café remained here until 1972. That year the Paul L. Hansen family purchased the building and, after extensive renovations, operated their women's dress shop, The Palace Place, until the late 1990s. In 1998 the building was sold again and became the first certified organic brewpub in the United States. Its strong architecture and location helped sustain its long commercial success.