The orphanage was formally opened by Mason in 1869 and extended in 1876. The Orphanage building was demolished in 1964, in the mid 20th century, when Victorian architecture was generally not highly valued and Anti-Victorianism was influential. The trustees thought the orphanage was, "outdated and expensive to maintain."
The orphanage's closure in the mid-20th century reflects a broader trend of rejecting traditional architectural styles like Victorianism in favor of modern designs. The trustees' decision to demolish the building highlights this shift in societal preferences and priorities.