It was funded by John R. Crouse, a wealthy Syracuse merchant (principal donation) with the White family (bankers, secondary doners),[3] and designed by Archimedes Russell.

[5] The first cornerstone for the new college was laid in June 1888, and the building was completed in September 1889 by the Norcross Brothers of Massachusetts at the cost of $500,000.

The interior is "distinctively" Romanesque and carved hardwood woodwork designs, representative of the period, are displayed throughout.

[5][19] The auditorium underwent a renovation in 1998, which included replacing the seats with wooden chairs reminiscent of the originals, cleaning the chandeliers and organ pipes, and refinishing its hardwood floors.

[20] It represents a style of American organ building that flourished in the mid-20th century and is closely associated with builder Walter Holtkamp.

[5][15] The original nine bells (later 10, then 14)[21][22] ranged in weight from 375 to 3,000 pounds, and were manufactured by Clinton H. Meneely Bell Company of Troy, N.Y.[23] A student group The Chimesmasters from the Setnor School of Music are responsible for ringing of the chimes regularly throughout the academic year and for special occasions.

[23] Winged Victory, a sculpture that was modeled after the original, which was discovered in the Mediterranean Sea and since moved to the Louvre, is located at the bottom of the main staircase.