The 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame house was built in 1758 by the master housewright Hopestill Cheswell, a successful African-American builder in the city.

[3] The house was built for Captain Gregory Purcell, who owned it with his wife Sarah until his death in 1776.

The American naval hero John Paul Jones rented a room at the widow Purcell's during 1781–1782, while supervising construction of the ship America.

The five-bay main facade has a central entry topped by a segmented arch pediment, supported by flanking pilasters.

The interior of the house follows a typical Georgian center-hall plan, with rooms flanking a central hall with stairs.