Victorian Inn is the work of Ferndale architect, Thomas J. Frost, who was also recognized as a master mechanic and draughtsman.

The Stick Style - Eastlake Victorian commercial building is noted for its highly decorated bay windows and cornice topped with a shingled mansard parapet roof. The windows and bracketing are Italianate in style. The pilasters on the street level façade are identical to those found on the Masonic Temple which was also designed by Frost.

Ira Russ, had this structure built to house a bank and stores on the ground floor and a hotel upstairs. The hotel had thirty-three rooms including bathrooms, water closets and eight fireplaces. Banking tenants included a branch of the Humboldt County Bank, the Ferndale Bank, and later the Russ-Williams Bank which became a branch of Bank of America in 1935.

Victorian Inn contributes to the Ferndale Main Street Historic District which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.