[3] It was designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb, a leader in Richardsonian Romanesque style, on commission for Barton.

[4] Details in its National Register nomination include: "The main entrance, facing the south, is sided by a three-story Victorian tower on the west.

In its National Register nomination it was stated that the house "portrays a past era unique not only in architectural movements but also in the socio-economic development of capitalism of America."

[3] A wine cellar with capacity for 1,250 bottles was protected by a heavy door and a burglar alarm connected to Mr. Barton's bedroom.

[citation needed] In 1982 the Security National Bank took steps towards demolition of the building; a law firm opposed that and appealed to Secretary of the Interior James G. Watt.