An up-to-date and very modest Greek Revival house with its gable returns and symmetrical facade, the two-story Chamberlain house served not only as a residence but also as warehouse for the provisions of the Hawaiian mission. The makai side's doorways on the second story and attic recall the nonresidential use of portions of the building. Levi Chamberlain arrived in Honolulu in 1823, with the second company of missionaries, to assume the position of secular business agent for the mission, handling the bookkeeping and supplies. A lanai was added to the front of the house in 1864; however, it was removed before 1919, as part of an early restoration project. The building took four years to build. It was made from coral blocks, cut from the reef with axes at low tide, and bound by lime mortar made by burning coral.