[2] The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 for its significance in the themes of architecture, commerce, exploration/settlement, and industry.

[1] It was nominated for its association with Jordan's early milling industry and for its distinctive Italianate architecture in stone.

Elements of Italianate style include the cubical massing, shallow pitched roof, cupola, bracketed cornice, and arched window and door lintels.

[2] The house was built in 1858 for Edwin and James Foss and Rufus Wells, who jointly owned a water-powered gristmill down the hill on Sand Creek.

The city of Jordan had recently been platted, and it developed quickly over the next two decades as an important regional wheat-milling center.