It appears as several blocks on the Goad’s Insurance plans of 1931, and must have been consolidated at some stage in the 1930’s.

The site was used as a compound by the Natal Harbour Board and then the Natal Harbour Department between 1890 and 1910.

Previously it had been a high sand dune which was the site of the Timeball at its northern end. The present buildings were probably designed by the PWD. (Reference: Prof B Kearney)

The building 'is a fine example of the utilitarian, building robustly detailed and physically contained housing which was metered out for migrant labourers.......Stevedore housing, which predates the mechanisation of the harbour, is an essential component of the history of the Bay of Natal and especially the Point. It is a reminder of the contribution made by the disadvantaged workers to what the city can aspire to today.' Professor Rodney Harber.

Walls are of red facebrick in Flemish bond, windows of galvanised steel and roof in Marseilles tiles. The building is well preserved and well suited for recycling.