[1] It is locally significant as one of the finest Italianate residences to be built in the Racine area during the 19th century.

Completed in 1874, the two-story, hipped-roofed house was originally built for Scottish immigrant George Murray and was designed by architect Lucas Bradley.

[2] An article in the Advocate of April 25, 1874, notes that "the piazza takes in the principle portion of the elaborate finish, running the full width of the building, and at the different angles and entrance stand Corinthian columns on ornamental pedestals two and a half feet high and the whole surmounted by cast iron capitals."

George Murray came to Racine from Scotland in 1850, became a partner with Daniel Slauson in his lumber, lath and shingle business, and married his daughter in 1855.

Mrs. Murray inherited the land on which the house was built from her father in 1865.