[3] They were designed by the prolific Almon Clother Varney, a notable architect of apartment buildings in early 20th century Detroit.

[3] These two buildings were once owned by one of Michigan's first suffragists, Sarah A. Sampson, who lived in the Lancaster with her husband from 1906 to 1919.

She was married to George L. Sampson, a merchant and businessman who owned a wholesale grocery house founded by Bratshaw.

[3] Each building was constructed of brick trimmed with stone, and designed in a Tudor Revival style, although with slightly different detailing on the exterior.

Flanking the central entrance were three story, three-sided bays trimmed with limestone, containing three double-hung sash windows per floor.

[4] On the interior, each of the two buildings were similar, with oak stair halls lined with wood paneled wainscoting.