The building is approximately 19,000 square feet, was designed in the early 20th century, and is relatively untouched from the period in which John Ringling used it as his winter quarters. The major exception is a 1960's renovation that introduced a minimal HVAC system, installed with little regard for the historic fabric of the interiors.

The project revolved around the insertion of new building systems, including new HVAC systems, new lighting and power, and a complete fire sprinkler system.

The HVAC system was designed to maintain strict control of the temperature and relative humidity in the spaces, and includes gaseous and particulate filtration, dehumidification and reheat for summer humidity control, and careful integration of the air inlets and outlets into the interior finishes. One of the methods of concealment of the mechanical systems was to use the fireplaces in the Court and the Dining Room for air return.

The electrical systems included a complete new fire alarm system, new electric service and distribution, and new branch circuitry. To minimize cutting and patching of the finishes, existing conduit is to be reused, with an allowance carried in the budget for replacement of conduit where it is determined during construction to be unusable. The fire sprinkler system design includes vertical chasing of walls, and concealment of all piping. This eliminates and/or reduces the amount of piping that is run above the ornate ceilings, some of which are conservation artifacts, themselves.