The original structure at the corner of 2nd street and Campbell Avenue was built and named the Trout House, a 5-story hotel. It capitalized on its construction directly above the underground spring of Lick Run. Allegedly, owners stocked the spring with trout and served them in the hotel restaurant. In the 1920’s, owners expanded with a 6-story addition along Campbell Avenue.

Ultimately, a fire destroyed the original 5-story segment in 1930. An 8-story tower was constructed, adjoining the 6-story section that withstood the fire, and the new hotel was named the Ponce de Leon. Designed with lavish interior and geometric architecture patterns, this structure exemplified art deco motifs that were popular in America at the time.

During the 1970’s, the Ponce de Leon transformed from a hotel into an office building under new ownership. Growing demands of what had become Downtown Roanoke’s business district necessitated the operational shift. At this point, much of its characteristic design was covered or repurposed, in favor of simpler commercial features.

The Ponce de Leon is now revived as a mixed-use property offering apartments and commercial space. Historic elements from the 1930’s building have been recovered and restored.