Orlando Mack Barnes, a noted resident of Lansing in the late 19th century, held titles in banking, industry, railroading, and politics. His mansion, built on 4 acres fronted by Main Street and bordered by Washington Avenue, was one of the finest examples Victorian architecture in the Midwest.

The 17,357 square-foot "castle" had 26 rooms, 11 halls and landings, 6 stairways and 9 fireplaces. The total cost of construction in 1878 was $40,000-$25,000 more than the original estimate.

When O. M. Barnes died in 1899, his widow could not maintain the home and the building stood vacant until a proposal to use it as the Governor's mansion was considered but rejected in 1948. The $200,000 price tag for renovation was considered too high.