Constructed in 1893 for Ogden businessman James Clarence Armstrong and designed by Samuel Whitaker, this home is one of Utah’s largest and most accomplished examples of Queen Anne–style architecture.

David and Bertha Eccles acquired the home in 1896 to create a home for themselves and their twelve children. Born into relative poverty in Scotland, David became one of Utah’s first multi-millionaires. Bertha Jensen Eccles moved from Denmark to Utah as a child.

Mrs. Eccles welcomed community organizations to meet in the home—including Girl Scouts, Children’s Aid Society, Drama Club, Child Culture Club, Martha Society, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and Red Cross. Girl Scout records indicate Utah’s first unit was organized here on May 15, 1920.

The home was remodeled in 1913 with the addition of a Prairie-style carriage house and sun porch. It remained in the Eccles family until 1948, when it was donated to Weber College, serving as a dormitory and social center. Ownership later reverted to the LDS Church.

The Ogden Community Arts Council, formed in 1953, worked to acquire the home. The Church deeded it to the Council in 1959 for use as a community art center. In 1998, the historic buildings were carefully restored and two new buildings were added.