Constructed in 1888–89 to a design of Brooklyn architect Frank Freeman, it has been described as "the city's finest Romanesque Revival house".

"[5] It has been described as "one of the real treats of Brooklyn Heights, a Romanesque color-fantasy of salmon brick, terra cotta and rockfaced sandstone with crazy animal ornament reminiscent of modern, violent comic books -- grimacing lizards, lions and dragons.

[8] The entrance is accessed by a broad stone staircase, flanked by two semicircular towers or bays which rise to the height of the third floor where they each form a separate balcony.

[9] The entranceway opens upon a lobby finished in mahogany and containing a small library and a fireplace of Scotch sandstone[8] with an "intricately carved" mantelpiece.

The library, which directly faced the building's entrance, was finished in cherrywood, with a domed roof of white and gold, the latter color predominating.

[8] To the left of the entrance, running the length of the building on the Henry St. side, was the parlor, culminating at the rear in the servants' dressing room, pantries, and a staircase leading to the kitchen in the basement.