Construction on the house began in 1907 and was completed in 1909. Designed by Northrup and O'Brien, the residence had both the standard features of the time and innovations that were quite modern for the period. For example, each room had its own fireplace even though the house was equipped with central heating created by circulating hot water from a coal fired furnace. In addition, the house was wired for electricity; however, each area also had gas fixtures.