It was designed by notable local architect William Channing Whitney in the Colonial Revival style.

The house is significant not only for its architecture, but also for its resident, a businessman in the lumber industry.

[2] The Minneapolis Labor Review noted, "it was to him that everyone looked when stringent times in the world of work, trade and finance brought stringent times to the world of music.

He never failed to respond with both financial support and ingenious plans for getting the Symphony through the storm of every depression.

[2] It was listed for its local significance in industry and music for Carpenter's achievements, and in architecture for its Georgian Revival design by William Channing Whitney.