[4][3] In 1893, the University of Pennsylvania Trustees decided to provide a facility for the social and recreational use of students.

Trustee (later Provost) Charles Custis Harrison announced a contest for its design, open to students and recent graduates of the University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture.

The Hall was named as a memorial to their son, Henry Howard Houston, Jr. (University of Pennsylvania class of 1878), who had died in Rome within a year of his graduation.

Prior to the building's opening, a "Houston Club" was formed, allowing membership to any male student and charging yearly dues of two dollars.

[7] The original Houston Hall featured a 4-lane bowling alley, swimming pool, gymnasium and locker rooms in the basement; a student lounge, billiards room and reception areas on the first floor; an auditorium, athletic department offices and trophy room on the second floor; and offices for student clubs (including the student newspaper, The Daily Pennsylvanian) on the third floor.