[1][2] The 15.5 acre (6.3 ha) district is very irregularly shaped and includes 29 assorted properties along the streets of Calhoun, Monroe, Madison, Washington, Main (M-24), Park, Liberty, Church, and Nepessing in the city of Lapeer.

The most recent structures included as contributing properties within the district are a Georgian-style library (1923) and post office (1932).

In 1831, J.R. White arrived in Lapeer after buying an interest in a lumber mill; the next year he was joined by his brother Phineas.

In 1836, one brother, Enoch Jay White, decided to enter the tavern business, and constructed this Greek Revival inn along the stagecoach line.

The Engine House and City Hall is a large, rectangular, two-story, Italianate-style brick structure built in 1882/83 with an elaborate cornice and second-floor windows which stretch upwards from a stone belt-course.

It is a symmetrical brick building with Georgian Revival influences, having a raised basement and a single story on top.