[2] It was given to the city as a gift by William Horlick, the original patent holder of malted milk.

[3] The hall has played host to Barack Obama, John McCain, and others.

[4][5] The structure is a 2-story auditorium designed by Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw in Neoclassical style, with a 176x118 foot footprint.

The front entrance is sheltered by a 2-story raised portico whose four Corinthian columns support an entablature.

Names of famous battles are inscribed on the west facade and above the auditorium doors is inscribed "The Noblest Motive is the Public Good.