It was designed by notable local architects Purcell, Feick & Elmslie in the Prairie School style.

Dr. Oscar Owre was a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

The house is generally cube-shaped but extends outward through a series of porches.

[2] It shares some design features with the nearby William Gray Purcell House, including the low, overhanging eaves, bands of windows, and the side entry.

William Purcell later wrote, "Oscar was scared to death that this building was going to cost him more than he could afford, and had been told by all his friends that every building operation carried on by an architect was loaded with heartbreaking extras which would spoil all his fun, if not ruin him financially."