Built in the 1920s and originally advertised as the “finest hotel in the South,” the 12-story Plaza Hotel featured a rooftop restaurant, a ballroom, 500 guest rooms and the city's “largest open space for dancing.” Famous hotel guests included movie stars, athletes and even the notorious Al Capone.

The Plaza Hotel’s garage was built on the corner of Soledad and Villita Streets, and a miniature golf course occupied its entire roof. Ultimately, this garage would become the site of Riverwalk Plaza Hotel.