The architecturally haphazard structure, originating as two converted barns and a Victorian house, was used from 1906 to 1929 as the studio of Lorado Taft (1860-1936), one of the most influential sculptors of the period.

Historically, these elements framed a courtyard that was open to the west, except for a fringing hedge and fence; this has since been filled by additional studio space.

[4] Lorado Taft was educated at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving both a bachelor's (1879) and master's degree (1880) in art.

[4] In 1906, Taft moved his main studio from the Chicago Loop to a brick barn near the Midway Plaisance.

[3] Today, the building is home to the university's Department of Visual Arts and Creative Writing program, and has been renovated to be classrooms, offices, and studios for students and faculty.