Architect Alfred C. Finn of Houston designed this scaled-down replica of the American White House for oil executive Ross S. Sterling. Completed in 1927 on the residential Gold Coast stretching from La Porte to Morgan's Point, it stood as a landmark on the Houston Ship Channel. Its roof deck commanded a nighttime view of the region's lighted industrial plants. Thick exterior walls of stone, concrete, air space, and plastered lath, along with deeply sunken foundations and huge beams running the length of the structure, gave it hurricane resistance. With 21,000 square feet of floor space, it was known as the largest private residence in Texas when built. It had seven fireplaces, 15 baths, and 34 rooms, including a dining room that seated 300 guests, with adornments such as silver and gold inlaid sconces, fine carved woods, and Tiffany chandeliers, as well as elaborate facilities for recreation and efficient housekeeping. Sterling and his wife Maude Abbie (Gage) had several children. Ross Sterling served as governor of Texas from 1931 to 1933. In 1946 he donated the mansion to a civic club, and it was used as a juvenile home until 1961.