Advertised as "Fargo's Only Modern Fireproof Hotel," the Powers was built in 1914 by Thomas F. Powers. It was a family-run hotel from the time it opened on the northwest corner of Broadway and Fourth Avenue North (400 Broadway) until it closed on October 17, 1981.

The hotel's Classical Revival-style were designed by the Hancock Brothers. It was originally built with three floors, as seen in the upper right postcard (dated 1916).

In approximately 1919, two floors were added from plans by William F. Kurke, as can be seen in the real photo postcard dated 1936 to the lower right.

The Powers family were the first name in the Fargo hotel industry for many years. In addition to their namesake hotel, they owned, at one time or another, the Waldorf, the Gardner, and the Fargoan hotels.

To the north (the views right) of the Powers in the lower image, can be seen the Lowman Block (406-410 Broadway). This building was also built in 1914 by the Powers Construction Company. It was designed by Haxby & Gillispie and bears some resemblance to the first three floors of the Powers (before the addition).

The front of the first floor was later modified for the cafe there, although it was never as gaudy as the match book lower right would indicate.

The hotel envelope below listed F. Urban Powers as the manager.