The design is a good example of collegiate Gothic architecture and its early use on the university campus and in the London area.

[2] In 1915, the departments of Physics, Biology and Chemistry were established at the University of Western Ontario.

[3] Due to the increased number of students and lack of space, a proposal was granted in 1916 for the development of a new campus.

In 1922, construction began on the present site of the new campus, overlooking the Thames River and away from the downtown core of the city.

Notable features to the building are intricate details in the masonry, including mascarons and cartouches throughout the door and window areas.