In 1890, William Northwood, the co-founder of the Howard–Northwood Malt Manufacturing Company, commissioned architect George F. Depew to design this home.

[2] Both Howard–Northwood Malt Manufacturing and Sullivan Beef were major commercial ventures in Detroit, and this home reflects the prosperity of the owners.

[2] George F. Depew designed the elaborate three-story house in French Renaissance Châteauesque style with a red brick and rusticated stone exterior.

[4][5] Round and square towers project from the main section of the house, each with a different roof style.

[2] The transom windows are filled with stained and leaded glass, and the house boasts polished jasper collonettes.