The Norcross brothers were also locally prominent, building a number of Worcester landmarks and operating a factory in the city which produced architectural parts.

[2] James Norcross moved to Worcester in 1868, and assembled 66 acres (27 ha) of land along May Street beginning in 1890.

Stylistically, the house is sui generis, although it has a number of architectural elements that were popular in the revival styles of the time.

Each of the building's four corners has a rounded bay section rising three floors which is topped by a shed roof.

[2] Norcross lived in the house until his death in 1903, and it remained in his family until 1922, when the estate was sold to the Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital.