The former Methodist Theological College dates from 1926 and was built as accommodation for candidates for the Methodist ministry. It was designed by James Hodge White of the Dunedin architectural firm Miller, White and Dunn in the Collegiate Gothic style.
Later, the building was occupied by an arts school, before being bought by the Church of Scientology International. DPA Architects acted as heritage architects for the project, which involved the restoration, refurbishment and seismic upgrading of the building, which was in generally poor condition. It was also adapted to suit the needs of its new owner.