In 1947 Dr. I.S. Hankins, one of Orlando's leading African American physicians and an active civic leader, commissioned a building for African American professionals. Completed in 1952, it accommodated small businesses and offices at the corner of West South Street and Parramore Avenue.

Located at 647 Parramore Avenue, the building reflects the popular art deco style. Despite offered assistance from the Orlando Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, Dr. Hankins decided to pay the $18,000 cost for renovating the building in 1988. The renovation was part of an effort to re-develop the Holden-Parramore district and preserve part of Orlando's oldest African American community.

In 2005 Mayor Buddy Dyer commissioned the Pathways for Parramore initiative aimed towards preserving Orlando's first African American community. The Holden-Parramore district has been recognized as an Orlando Historic Landmark, and the city's Preservation Board continues to seek recognition for the area under the National Historic Register.