The building was constructed as the result of an 1888 decision by the Kings County branch of the Democratic Party to secure a permanent headquarters for its operations, with the development of the political club model.

[2] A property near the corner of Boerum Place and Fulton Street was acquired for the project, and architect Frank Freeman commissioned to design the building.

The foundation stone was laid on November 13, 1889 by former U.S. President Grover Cleveland, with torrential rains failing to dampen the enthusiasm of a large crowd gathered to witness the occasion.

[2] The building was formally opened less than a year later on September 23, 1890, with many Democratic Party dignitaries in attendance, including the Governor of New York, David B. Hill and Brooklyn Mayor Alfred C. Chapin.

[3]The ground floor, which was built of rusticated sandstone from Gatelawbridge, Scotland,[1] featured two large, recessed Roman archways, one on each wing, which served as the main entrances.