Built in 1899, it is locally unusual for its all-masonry construction, and its unique adaptation to a triangular lot.

Five stories in height, it has a distinctive blend of Romanesque and Panel Brick styles, and is an architectural elegant solution to a challenging lot, which is both narrow and steeply sloped.

[2] The block was built by contractor Henry A. Lawler in 1899 for George S. Abbott, a local real estate developer, as a speculative venture.

The building went through a number of ownership changes, with some owners living in one of the upper units, or operating a business on the premises, or both.

From 1930 to about 1980, one of its storefronts was home to the city's longest-running small business, a tire shop.