The building holds historical importance in African American history due to its association with Wallace 'Wally' Hagin Jr. Not only was he Washington's first licensed African American commercial pilot, but also a musician and a significant photographer. The site served as his studio. 

​

Throughout his life, Hagin advocated for equality for himself and fellow African Americans residing in Spokane. His arrival in Spokane occurred at the age of three, moving from Montana with his family. Notably, his father, Wallace, contributed to the construction of Calvary Baptist Church, the oldest Black congregation in Spokane.