It was designed in the Italianate style, built in rubble masonry with a cement render finish and was completed in its original form around 1790.

[2][3] The design involved a symmetrical main frontage of eight bays facing southwest onto the Market Square.

The rear elevation of the building, which was accessed further down the slope of the hill, incorporated a basement floor which was arcaded, so that markets could be held, and was unrendered.

[11][12] A statue of the country singer, Tom McBride, was unveiled at the back of the building by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, in September 2018.

[16] In April 2023, Monaghan County Council commissioned DHB Architects to prepare design proposals for the refurbishment of the building.