[1] It is also part of the Eastern Michigan University Historic District (listed on the Register in 1984)[3] and is the oldest building on EMU's campus.

[5] In 1881, the society reorganized as the Students' Christian Association, and they were granted a room in the campus conservatory building as a meeting place.

By early 1892, nearly $1000 had been pledged,[5] and the Association appealed to philanthropist Mary Ann Starkweather for additional funding.

[5] Detroit architects Malcomson and Higginbotham were hired to design the building,[2] and it was constructed in 1896 at a cost of slightly over $11,000.

[2] The Students' Christian Association was disbanded in the 1920s, but Starkweather Hall continued to be used by a succession of religious organizations.