The house was built by Lansing pioneer James Turner and his brother Charles in 1858. James was instrumental in helping lay the groundwork for the city. James Turner helped establish transportation, schools, foundries and eventually the city government as he would serve as the first Treasurer and go on to serve as the State Deputy Treasurer. James' youngest daughter Abigail would marry an influential proto-union lawyer named Frank Dodge and in 1901 they hired locally renowned architect Darius Moon to expand and renovate the house, moving it from a Greek Revival style into a Neoclassical.  The house was purchased by city of Lansing in the early 90's and was heavily restored back to its turn of the century peak, it now serves as an event space and museum offering walk-in tours.