The building was built in the 1770s and originally served as the residence of the Depontieu family. It was purchased by the Grenada government in 1801, becoming the seat of the colonial legislature. The building was named after the Duke of York who visited Grenada in the eighteenth century.[3][4] Upon independence in 1974, it became home to the Parliament of Grenada. The Supreme Court occupied the lower floor of the building. The building was damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, after which it was abandoned.
Queen Elizabeth II visited the building in 1985, opening a special session of Parliament.[5]