Steel-frame structures were developed during the 19th century in response to the limitations of masonry-bearing wall structures, which were the common method of commercial construction at the time. These bearing wall structures were limited to approximately 10 stories high and allowed for only small openings because of the strength of the masonry materials. Since property owners back then wanted the same things that developers and architects want today—the maximum amount of rentable space on their land and plenty of natural light—new solutions were explored.

Steel-frame building construction using rigid frames, or moment frames, was the answer to these demands. While originally intended for use in high-rise construction, the use of steel moment frames has evolved to encompass a large number of low-rise, mixed-use, and residential light-framed projects because of the flexibility they give designers.

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