The banker W. T. Shaw selected a magnificent hilltop site overlooking the city and the Wapsipinicon River valley. Upon this he constructed a large brick Italianate house. Its high square tower, placed within an ell, not only commands a wonderful view but dominates the house and site as well. With its extensive landscaped grounds and secondary buildings, this house constitutes one of the great country estates of Iowa. While a few changes have been made in the house (a Colonial Revival entrance porch replaces the original one, and the brick walls have been painted), it all remains beautifully intact.