The Robert Ritchie Residence, as with many of Saint John's heritage buildings, was built during the recovery period following the Great Saint John Fire of 1877. This two-storey residence from 1879 provides a solid example of the then-popular Second Empire style with its mansard roof and highly ornamented brickwork.

The building held a dual role as the private residence of the Ritchie family and the location of their grocery store. It was originally built for Robert Ritchie, who lived and operated out of this building until his death in 1901. It was afterwards occupied by Robert's daughter Marie and her husband Thomas Furlong. Furlong was a notable successful wine merchant and importer, who had since 1865 operated Furlong's Liquor Store at the nearby corner of Water Street and Princess Street. As his business continued to expand, Furlong had several bond warehouses built along Water Street. Both members of the couple would inhabit this building until they died - Thomas in 1908, and Marie in 1929.