The design is that of a red sandstone Romanesque square block, articulated by round towers at each corner. From the center of the building rises a low, Romanesque-inspired tower clad in green patinated copper. The Freeport, Illinois, architect G. Stanley Mansfield was one of eight architects who competed for the project. According to Ronald E. Schmitt, 11 the tower as built differs from the original design, being a more abstracted version of the Romanesque. It was most likely the product of the local architect Josiah L. Rice. The exterior of the building remains basically as built; however, numerous changes have occurred in the interior.