The Masonic Temple was constructed from 1911-1913, designed by Proudfoot Bird, and Rawson. The Beaux Arts Revival-style Temple represented a significant architectural feat for the time, with two 4,000-square-foot ballrooms stacked one on top of the other in the center of the building. Over time, the building also housed the Maxwell automobile dealership and Des Moines Waterworks. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, but still faced the threat of demolition. Stripped of its original cornice and awnings, it had fallen into a state of disrepair. In 2001, Downtown Preservation Partners purchased it, and hired architects Shiffler and Assoc. to restore it to its original beauty. Renamed the Temple for Performing Arts, it was transformed it into a venue for performing arts and cultural entertainment.