Frank Trigg (c. 1850–1933), a black educator and college president, lived in the house until his death.

His American Foursquare style home, built in 1911, includes an adjacent tennis court on the lot next door.

Stressing sportsmanship and discipline, Johnson trained stars such as Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, the first African-Americans to ever win at Wimbledon.

The house was also offered as lodging to distinguished African-Americans passing through the city, as blacks were usually denied occupancy from hotels.

Guests included the famed Duke Ellington, Jackie Robinson, Lionel Hampton, and Roy Campanella.