Originally built as a clubhouse for the Fairgrounds and Baseball Field, the building was remodeled in 1907 when W.A. Smith had architect Erle Stillwell prepare plans to convert it into a modern family hotel. The renovated 20-room hotel featured a lobby with a large granite stone chimney from W.A. Smith's quarry and rocking-chair porches on both floors. In 1911, W.A. Smith sold the hotel to Florence Jordan, who operated it as an exclusive family hotel with comfortable rooms and good cuisine. Fondly called Miss Jordan, she added more rooms, baths, and other amenities in 1912 and renamed it the Laurel Park Villa. Its guests were prominently listed in the society page of the local newspaper and came from across the Southeast, until the hotel ceased operations in 1934.