The structure was built in 1900 as a duplex townhouse by Scottish immigrant, Graham McDonald and his bride, Frances nee-Henderson. The McDonalds took up residence on the east side at 308 E. 39th St. and John Leigh & wife Alice nee-Werner took abode and mortage on the west side at 306 E 39th St.

Graham McDonald died in 1919, John Leigh died in 1931. and Frances “Fannie” McDonald died in 1960. Shortly after Fannie's death Alice Leigh boarded up the propery and took abode with family on Maupas Ave, a couple of streets south. Alice died in 1972.

In 1977 the abandoned and boarded up structure was revived and redesigned as an upstairs residence and a downstairs art studio/gallery by artist, Hector Dewart.

In 2006 an outbuild on the northeast corner modernized and expanded the kitchen, adding a second level deck just off the kitchen and a wee bit of studio space below.