William Northrop, president of the Virginia Railway and Power Company (successor to the Richmond and Southside Electric Railway Company) built this frame Georgian Revival house to promote streetcar suburb living. The house was originally entered through the Forest Hill Annex neighborhood via 42nd Street and a private bridge (demolished) over Reedy Creek. The design derives from the south front of Mount Vernon. The architect purposely offset the entrance and employed a hipped roof with dormers and Chinese railings on the side porticoes. After being vacant for many years the property was acquired for apartment development. Plans originally called for leveling the mansion, but a public outcry caused the developer to reconsider. The result is that today the mansion serves as the community center for the development. One-story apartment buildings now dot the grounds, their designs reflecting the original house.