Built in 1881 to a design by John T. Fanning for two prominent local developers, the building is an expansive rendition of Queen Anne styling in brick and stone.

It housed the city's premier performance venue for many years, and was an early home of the influential Manchester Union Leader, the state's major daily newspaper.

The storefronts are topped by pressed metal panels, and have recessed entrances flanked by display windows.

[2] The building combined retail and commercial business activities with a large performing space (now demolished) in the rear.

Major fires in 1985 resulted in the loss of the auditorium and significant damage to the rest of the building's interior.