The Italianate style building adjoins the former Johnson County Library, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On June 27, 1881, the newly elected commissioners met, and purchased the Lone Star Dance Hall and stables to be used as offices for the county.

[2] By November 1883, it was apparent that the former dance hall was not a secure place for the county's records, and that the condition of the building was such that repairs would not be practical.

A border of white was painted under the eaves, and an emblem of the rising sun occupies the space high above main doorway facing east.

A steam heating system was installed, and at that time the bricks of the foundation were cemented over, and a chimney on the north side was removed.