The ground floor was projected forward as a lean-to with a recessed doorway, flanked by banded pilasters supporting a segmental-headed arch, in the fourth bay.

On the first floor, there was a wide gable containing a segmental-headed window flanked by decorative half-timbered quatrefoils and other carvings with a stucco infill.

[3] Following significant population growth, largely associated with the straw plaiting and brewing industries, an urban district council was formed in the area in 1898.

[6] The building remained the local seat of government until the council relocated to Harpenden Hall in Southdown Road in 1931.

[7] The building on Leyton Road, which became known as "Park Hall", continued to be used as a community events venue and served as the local Air Raid Precautions headquarters during the Second World War.