It is a two-story brick structure, clad in white-painted stucco, its principal architectural feature a Greek temple front with six Ionic columns, supporting an entablature and pediment.

[5] The classical effect was modified in the late 19th century by the addition of dentils and modillions to the cornice, and the insertion of an arched Italianate window into the tympanum of the pediment.

[5] Hibernian Hall is the only remaining building associated with the 1860 Democratic National Convention, one of the most critical political gatherings in United States history.

The building served as convention headquarters for the faction of the Democratic Party supporting presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas.

[citation needed] None of the candidates could garner sufficient support, and the party's divisiveness contributed its defeat by the Republicans and Abraham Lincoln.