[4] The building is a good example of Californian architecture and the Mission Revival style at the turn of the century.

[5] The Old City Hall building was designed by architect Samuel Newsom, with help from architectural firm of Wolfe and McKenzie of San Jose.

[4][6] The lower level is made of greystone, second story of white brick topped with terra cotta coping and a red tile roof.

[4] The rustic stone exterior is reminiscent of the earlier Richardsonian Romanesque-era and some of the original architecture found at nearby Stanford University.

[7] The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused structural damages to the building, which were later repaired.