Brothers Samuel R. Coggin (1831-1915) and Moses J. "Mody" Coggin (1824-1902), prominent area ranchers, business leaders, and philanthropists, partnered with businessman William Claibourne "Clay" Parks (1883-1916) to complete this two-story commercial building in 1876. Originally part of a larger structure, it housed a variety of businesses, including a grocery, hardware store, business college, and restaurant. Because of its primary location, the Coggin-Parks building figured prominently in the early history of Brownwood. The exterior of the structure was later altered substantially.