Designed by local architect James H. Warner, the house was built in 1891-1892 as a private residence for heiress Catherine Haldeman Long, who died in 1900. The Hamilton Club, named for James Hamilton, the planner of Lancaster, purchased the property in 1911. The Club stll owns the property. Inside and out it has the look of a superb Richardsonian Romanesque mansion. Near to the downtown and across the street from St. James’ Episcopal Church ( LA18), it marks the heart of Lancaster's social hierarchy.