This 150’ x 150’ brick and timber structure was built by Bill and Pleas Wright in 1919-20, for feeding and trading the famous, locally bred Missouri Mules. Known as the Wright Brothers’ Mule Barn, the building was of the latest modern design for Mule Barns, and had room for 300 Mules. The pens were fed from the loft above and generous windows provided abundant sunlight.
In 1930, W. E. Rader and Thomas Dudley Diggs established the Rader Packing Company, and rented the southeast 30’ x 50’ corner of Wright’s building. Other portions were occupied by the mule barn and various tenants, including the Columbia Livestock Auction. In 1937 Thomas and Minnie Diggs bought the building, and in 1953 the Rader Company occupied the entire building.
In 1973, the Company officially changed to the Diggs Packing Company. The Diggs family also expanded to the Wilson Wholesale Meat Facility and the Box Beef facility nearby. In 2006, they ceased operations and sold the building only to Brian and Joy Pape, who got it named a Columbia Historic Property. The rehab includes Green Design features for a mix of loft apartments and commercial uses.