The Parks/Houston House is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical Revival architecture in the city, and is an illustration of upper class housing at the turn of the century. The four, two-story columns and matching pilasters, speakers' porch, elliptical arched entry and leaded glass windows at the entrance distinguish this architecturally significant home.

The house was built in 1898-1899 by A. S. Parks, a local lumberman, who served as president and general manager of the United Sash and Door Company and had previously owned Fairmount Cottage.