No other organization has done more to build Houston’s commerce and industry, stabilize its economy, develop its port, or furnish its civic leadership than the Houston Cotton Exchange. Cotton forced the building of transportation and handling facilities, and played a major part in the success of banks and other businesses and industries. Cotton money built Houston. Every phase of its life has been guided by the members of the Cotton Exchange.
-Houston Chronicle

The Cotton Exchange Building was built in 1884 to help regulate the booming Houston cotton trade. (By 1900, Houston had the second largest cotton market in the country.) It was originally only three stories tall, but a fourth story was added in 1907. The Exchange occupied the expanded building until 1924.