[2] The building was constructed between 1887 and 1891 as a replacement for the Lancaster Mechanic's Institute, to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

Thomas Storey's son, Herbert, paid £10,000 towards the cost of the extension, which almost doubled the size of the building.

[10] The exhibition programme included one-person shows by Andy Goldsworthy, Gillian Ayres, Basil Beattie, Michael Brennand-Wood, Simon Callery, Anthony Green, Albert Irvin, Michael Kenny, Sophie Ryder, and Richard Wilson, plus touring exhibitions from Japan, Spain, and Italy, and a variety of curated group shows.

[11] [12] In the early 21st century the institute was converted into a multi-use building by Lancaster City Council, and was renamed The Storey.

It provided accommodation for small businesses, a café, galleries and exhibitions areas, workshops, and an information centre.

Inside the building, on the first floor, is a curved window containing stained glass designed by Jowett of Shrigley and Hunt depicting representations of the arts.