In the early 1920s, the Hotel Restaurant was a vehicle repair shop. It was then expanded to create a new vehicle showroom for Model A Fords. The second and third storeys were constructed in 1933, and it became The Newfoundland Hotel and Restaurant. In 1940, a third-floor balcony was added to the front of the building, which is when the current porch was also created. The Newfoundland Hotel was an icon of Newfoundland culture and history for many years. However, like so many other local businesses, it closed its doors for the last time in October 2015 after nearly 90 years of service. The Hotel Restaurant's first floor housed retail space while the second floor held rooms for guests. The third floor contained more retail space. In addition, there was a fourth floor with more rooms. The Newfoundland Hotel was known for its fine dining experience and entertainment. There was dancing on Thursday and Friday nights in the hotel's ballroom. Other events included wedding receptions, business meetings, and educational seminars. The Newfoundland Hotel was owned by two families from 1918 to 1980: the Russell family, who operated it as a restaurant, and the Harris family, who converted it into a hotel. In 1980, they sold the hotel to a group of investors from St. John's and Halifax who wanted to preserve the heritage structure.