Most of the original part of the facility was built in a unique and rare neo-classical style designed by architects Boyden & Ball.

In 1851, the Massachusetts General Court appointed a commission to find a site for a new asylum to relieve the pressure of a rising patient population from its only facility in Worcester.

The large sprawling campus located on a hill offered fresh air and sunlight, following Kirkbride's concept for treating mental health patients.

Its distinct cupolas, large dome, cast-iron capitals, and window bar gave this building its own very unusual personality.

Then, on the night of March 19, 2006, a massive fire broke out in the center of the building, which included the administration and theater.

The facility had numerous architectural features that were salvaged and sold to individuals and companies throughout the United States, including architectural granite, bricks, timbers, iron gates, vintage plumbing and lighting fixtures, furniture, and slate roofing tiles.