John Church Jr. established the company in 1859, and after taking partners into the firm, he incorporated it in 1885.

These firms had been separate until 1892, when they were consolidated under one management in order to expand their influence over the broader world of music business.

Built in 1885 on a foundation of limestone, the John Church Company Building is a primarily brick and stone structure in the Renaissance Revival style; its roof is rubber, and it features some elements of iron and steel.

The five-story facade is divided into two sections of three bays each, with storefronts on the first floor and windows higher up, and topped with a decorative cornice.

Although one of its neighbors is just three stories tall, it is substantially smaller than many of the surrounding buildings.