Building 207 is located within a 136-acre site, formerly named the Fort at Willets Point, established in 1837 and now known as Fort Totten.  The fort is named after Major General Joseph G. Totten, who established this major harbor defense and military base. Along with several other residentially-scaled buildings, this was built in 1905  as demand grew for more housing as the Fort expanded their Coastal Artillery defenses.

In 1968 the base became the home of the 77th United States Regional Support Command for the Army Reserve. The US Coast Guard took over a portion of the base in 1969. These two branches of the military retain a presence at this site, but the majority of the site and buildings were transferred to the Department of Parks & Recreation. Other agencies that have jurisdiction are the NYC Fire Department and the Historic House Trust.  The entire site was designated The Fort Totten Historic District by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1999.

In 2002, The Center for the Women of New York (CWNY), under its founder Ann Jawin*, started negotiations with the NYC Parks Department. Building 207 was ideal for the proposed new use but, left vacant for 18 years, it was in terrible condition throughout including a raccoon infestation. The project team, led by Page Ayres Cowley Architecture LLC (PACA), was initially retained to determine the extent of alteration to make the best use of the existing room configuration and to limit new construction throughout, as the budget was modest given the amount of capital expense that was required. In the end, a comprehensive exterior restoration campaign was also included.

The porch columns, railings, windows and all decorative wood features were restored to their original appearance. An exterior lift was added to provide ADA access to the building and the entire first floor and basement were restored with the all new heating and plumbing systems installed.