 Built in about 1847 and purchased by the Century Association in 1857 for $24,000, the dwelling was extensively remodeled four times during its 34 years as a clubhouse.The first time was immediately upon purchase under the direction of New York architect Joseph C. Wells, a Centurion.Expanded at a cost of $11,000, the renovated building was more than twice the size of the original house and styled like an Italian "palazzo" with facing of ashlar or possibly stucco treated to resemble ashlar masonry.