Henry A. Rhodes came to Tacoma in 1892, and with his brother Will and $1,000, opened a coffee and tea business at 923 Broadway. The next year they were joined by a third brother, Albert, and incorporated as “Rhodes Brothers.” In 1900 they established a department store at 11th and Broadway. Henry sold his interest in 1925 to devote full time to his investment and development activities. He was instrumental in construction of the Winthrop hotel (1925), and the Medical Arts Building (1931). He was the President of the Rainier National Park Company and chaired the City of Tacoma Charter Revision Committee in 1909 that resulted in the adoption of a commission form the government. He continued to run the Rhodes Investment Company until his death in 1954.

Norton Clapp was an attorney who in 1937 developed Lakewood Center, one of the first planned suburban shopping centers in the state, if not the entire west. He is best known for his association with the Weyerhaeuser Company, where he was President and later Chairman. He had also been President of Boise-Payette, now a part of Boise-Cascade. He was a trustee of the University of Puget Sound from age 26, and was one of the founders of its law school, which was named after him. He also served as President of The Boy Scouts of America.

Another historical owner of the Carriage House was David MacDonald. He was president and CEO of Nalley’s Fine Foods, leading them to impressive market dominance in their distribution area for their premier products. He is a current member of the Lakewood Historical Society.

The Architects Frederick Heath, was well versed in Tudor architecture as exemplified by Lincoln high School and the Central School (now the Tacoma School District Administrative Offices). He was instrumental in designing the Masonic Temple in Yakima, the Gymnasium at St. Martin’s College in Tumwater, the National Realty Building in Tacoma, as well as many private homes. He is one of Tacoma’s major architects of the early twentieth century.