Completed in 1915, it is a prominent local example of Beaux-Arts architecture, and is the third building to serve as city hall.

Hartford's first city hall was a Greek Revival building, erected in 1827 and located at the corner of Market and Kingsley Streets.

They shared the honor with Palmer & Hornbostel of New York and Pittsburgh, who were associated in the design, though the project was executed by Davis & Brooks alone.

It is separated from the Wadsworth Atheneum by the Burr Memorial Mall, a former roadway converted into pedestrian plaza.

[2] The structure is built of brick faced with Bethel white granite, a copper and tile roof, and doors made of bronze.