The Birth of the Bernhardt Building

To tell you the truth, I never knew the date of the Bernhardt Building, now known as 141 Lofts. I found the following article in several state papers, including the New Orleans Times-Democrat, March 20, 1906:

Plans Completed for New Five-Story Hotel

Special to the Times-Democrat.

Monroe, March 19. – Rumors regarding the erection of a large and handsome hotel in Monroe were confirmed to-day, and from the picture of the proposed structure which is on display, it will be a credit indeed to the Parlor City and compare favorably with any structure of its kind anywhere in the State outside of New Orleans. A.H. Bernhardt is the projector, will be the owner, and it will be known as “The Bernhardt.” The building will be fire stories with a basement and contain 114 bedrooms. It will be built of pressed brick, have iron framework, and be trimmed with terra cotta. Complete it will cost about $90,000. It will be erected at the corner of Desiard and North Second streets, with the main entrance on the latter. There will be five stores on the ground floor, all of which will be on the Desiard street side. All modern conveniences are provided for in the plans.

The first thing to jump out at me was that it would be “five stories”. The current building is eight floors. Were more added later, or do I have the wrong building?