It was designed by Henry Vaughan, a favorite of wealthy industrialist Edward Searles, who funded construction of the building in 1904.

Searles was a major presence in the town, also funding construction of the Vaughan-designed Methuen Memorial Music Hall.

[2] In the atrium rests an early small demonstration version of the Emancipation Memorial, which Searles purchased from its designer, Thomas Ball.

The building is set on the southeast side of Pleasant Street, east of Methuen's central business district and facing the former Searles estate to the south.

Four brick chimney towers rise above the building, with stone quoining and false arches on the long sides.