Lotus was built in 1908-1909 for Maurice McMicken (1860-1940), a lawyer and businessman. The vessel was launched in May 1909, and was at that time the largest privately owned motor yacht on the west coast of the United States. The yacht was designed by Lee and Brinton, and constructed by Joseph A. Sloane, in Seattle. The yacht had accommodations for a party of 10 as well as a crew of four.