This home, built by Dr. Horace and Sarah Gillette in 1876, served as the St. Charles City Hospital during the 1920s and 1930s. The Gillettes only lived in their home for a few years prior to their deaths in 1878 and 1879 respectively. Following their deaths, their daughters Sarah and Ellen Ward inherited the estate. Mr. Julius Butler acquired the house in 1890. Butler lived at this location until 1897.

Architecturally, the home is a combination of two styles. When originally built, the architects, F.W. Alexander and J.F. Elliot, designed it in the Italianate style. Later, the Neoclassical front porch, with its large columns, was added.

From 1925 to 1935, the grand residence served as the St. Charles City Hospital. The City Hospital had been originally located in the Lambert Convalescing Home on Main Street. This building had become too small to meet the demands placed on it, so services were moved to the former Gillette home. During its existence at this address, the hospital provided care for up to twenty patients at a time.

Following its stint as a hospital, the Gillette home again became a residence and, later, apartments.