The Hall Street area became St. Joseph's first Historic District in 1974 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Belle Rose is one of the oldest mansions on Museum Hill dating back to 1879. The home was originally built for Frances and Mary Lucy Browne, immigrants from Ireland who later made their fortune in the wholesale grocery business and banking establishments. There are 16 rooms on two floors, a full attic with stairs, plus seven rooms in the English-style basement where the kitchen was located.
Pocket doors seperate the twin parlors where lavish social events took place years ago.
Five fire places and two grand staircases add a uniqueness to the historic home. In the heart of Hall Street Historic District is a beautiful Queen Anne Mansion. Its original owner installed a unique bronze bust of William Shakespeare in the paneled wall above the foyer mantle. Today, the Bard himself still welcomes guests through the ornately carved wooden entryway. Over forty stained glass windows adorn the home complimenting the heavily carved fireplaces throughout.