[2][4] Initially, it housed rooms for the Lutheran clergy serving in the nearby St. Catherine's Church.

[2][4] The façade, one of the few in the area to survive World War II, is divided into three distinct parts, making the building look like three identical yet separate town houses.

[2] This made the large building fit better with the surrounding narrow mediaeval town houses.

[4] It was a common feature of many of van Obberghen's projects, notably the Grand Armoury and the Green Gate.

[2] The three parts of the façade are tied together by an inscription in the German language running right below the tops, reading "DIE AVF DEN HERRN HARREN KRIEGEN NEVE KRAFT DASS SIE AVFFAHREN MIT FLVEGELN WIE ADLER" (English: Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.