The building was initially completed in 1906, however further additions were made afterwards including the North Wing/Memorial Library, which has a large stained glass commemorative window dedicated to the University's fallen in World War One. The south wing was completed in 1923 after which the building remained largely unchanged, servicing generations of students, until the 1970s.

In 1974, the building was declared an earthquake risk, evacuated, and seemed destined for demolition. A group of determined alumni and friends formed the Friends of Hunter Society to save the building, which was strengthened, refitted and reopened in 1993.

The window lists and depicts various sites where the war was fought (Palestine, France, Acre, Gallipoli, Greece, Egypt, Germany, Samoa, Sinai, Belgium) and includes references to the Crusades. It also includes the New Zealand Coat of Arms (inscribed ‘Onward’), and depictions of the various armed forces. It includes Māori motifs and the phrase ‘Kia Kaha Ake Ake’ (stay strong forever) alongside the latin ‘Pro Patria Mortui Sunt’ (for your country is dead).

Below the window is a plaque listing the names of the members of the College (as it was previously) who gave their lives in WWI.