The history of what is now called the Koornbeurs begins in 1295 when Floris V granted the right to build a meat and bread house. Here it was possible to monitor hygienically responsible trade. In 1650, the largest part of the building above the cellar was demolished, after which, according to Dutch Classicism, the beautifully ornamented building as we recognize it today was built - of stone, as was made mandatory after the city fire in 1536.

After meat no longer had to be sold centrally due to advancing conservation methods, the building lost its function in 1872 and was converted into a corn market, which explains its current name.

In the period leading up to the Second World War, the cellar was used as a bicycle storage area, a mushroom farm, and a military command center, while on the upper floor the grain trade had given way to the trade in eggs and horse manure. After the Second World War, the Reformed student association SSRD moved into the basement, and from 1957 occupied the entire building. That student association, SSRD, now operates under the name Open Youth Association the Koornbeurs.