It is believed this building was built in 1875 as a summer resort hotel by the Joseph Gott family. A zoological park was developed at the site in 1890 by businessmen H.S. Hefferman and James Reilly. The zoo closed in 1894 and the properly was bought by Jerome Dickerson, Sr. In 1922 the area was sold to the Springfield Park Board. It was further developed during the days of the WPA and NYC programs after a collection of animals was moved there from Phelps Grove Park. The building was remodeled and used for both offices and the reptile exhibit for many years after being named for Bill Swinea, longtime director of the zoo. It was torn down several years ago.

Approved: 6/18/79