This began as an antebellum country house situated on the highest piece of ground in the Fan—indicated today by its high retaining walls. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond acquired the residence after the Civil War and enlarged it, creating the Convent of the Little Sisters of the Poor. The main building of this complex is a massive Second Empire structure composed of three blocks and two connectors that face Harvie Street. After the church closed the convent, the structure was renovated as a condominium complex. The condominium successfully preserves one of the most important Victorian institutional buildings in Richmond and its setting.