Built in 1899 and enlarged over the following 15 years, it is a prominent local example of Classical Revival architecture, and exemplifies city planning of the period, having been designed with growth in mind.

The building, now converted to residences for homeless veterans, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

Some building corners are pilastered, and the right sections each have entrances recessed in rectangular openings.

A stringcourse of rusticated red stone separates the elevated basement from the ground floor.

Alderman, and was named for the area's first English settlers, Jophet and Henry Chapin.