The district was designated in 1994 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Multiple Property Submission concerning Round Barns in Illinois.

[3] The Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Illinois (U of I) was formed in 1888, one year after the Hatch Act provided federal funds.

He was also a strong advocate of the round barn which he said offered the "economy of consideration, low maintenance, and labor efficiency."

His colleague, H.C. Crouch, left New England at the same time to accept the position of manager at the U of I Experimental Dairy Farm.

While there, he took opportunity to learn techniques from local farmers which inspired his push for "efficiency" upon his return to the States.

Fraser and Crouch led the promotion of round barn design in Illinois because they believed the very design of the round barn promoted the scientific principles of agriculture as well as a common sense approach to dairy farming.

[7] The facilities at the University of Illinois Experimental Dairy Farm were replaced by larger confines in 1960, though the area was maintained.

When the district was nominated for inclusion on the National Register in 1994 the round barns at the site were still being used for small herd dairy experiments and housed cattle.

On the north the area is bordered by St. Mary's Road, a fence to the south and west and a treeline on the east side.

[3] Three other structures detailed on the nomination are listed as non-contributing: the "Cow Shed," the Dairy Laboratory, and the 1950s era garage for the Manager's House.

Historic photographs show the building was a small, residential structure with human-scaled doorways, which may have been a laboratory of some sort.

[2] This 1908 residential building combines elements from Tudor Revival and American Craftsman architectural styles.