The house was built in 1920-1921 for Ross Spears, a businessman.[2][3] In 1928, it was acquired by Henry P. Bridges, a businessman.[2] Bridges renamed it Shelbridge after his wife, Shelby.[3]
In the 1970s, the house was donated to East Tennessee State University, and it became the president's house.[2] The first president to live in the house was D.P. Culp; the family moved in 1973.[3] Six presidents have occupied the estate since. It is now home to current ETSU President Brian Noland.[4]