Derecchi Block: 311-317 North Broadway

The Derecchi Block at 311-317 North Broadway has a rich and varied history spanning more than a century. Constructed in 1913 by the influential Powers Brothers—a family central to Fargo's construction and development—the building's initial purpose was a social one: it was used by the Y.W.C.A. (Young Women's Christian Association) as a crucial rooming house, providing safe lodging for single working women in the growing city.

The "Derecchi" name itself is a personal touch, reportedly given by the Powers family in honor of one of their daughters.  A significant shift occurred in the late 1920s. After briefly operating as the Powers Annex Hotel by 1927, the Powers Brothers undertook a major modernization effort, reopening the building in November 1930 as the Fargoan Hotel. This renovation was designed to compete with the city's finest lodgings and included high-end artistic touches, notably modernistic murals in the lobby and lounge painted by Twin City artist Carl Olson (1875-1952).

The hotel marketed its modernity and comfort aggressively, advertising amenities like "Bath - Showers - Tele." and "the sleepingest beds in every room" with a focus on "scientific equipment and management" in a 1932 city directory.

The building is now sometimes referred to as "Block 6," in reference to its original townsite location.