It is located between West Street and the Eightmile River, which runs at the rear of the property and historically provided the facility's power.

It was originally much larger, having a large U shape with an open courtyard, and was considered a local showpiece of design.

The company shifted to the production of bicycle parts in the 1890s, and the manufacture of toolkits for automobiles in the early 20th century.

In 1938 it was purchased by the Florian family, who owned the American Standard Company, a maker of gardening tools.

[2] In August 2015, the building, as well of the remainder of the old H. D. Smith & Co. Works, was purchased by Jon Rondeau, with plans to turn it into a high-end whiskey and bourbon distillery.