This historic house holds significance in African American history as it was associated with Joe Jordan, a notable Tacoma musician who bridged African American ragtime with the Golden Age of American Musical Theater. Jordan excelled as a pianist, composer, songwriter, arranger, conductor, organizer, promoter, and educator. 

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Despite prevailing racial discrimination, Jordan thrived in his career, becoming one of the wealthiest African Americans in the 1910s. During World War II, he served in the US Army, rising to the rank of Captain by the 1940s. Captivated by Tacoma's natural beauty, he chose to settle in the city with his family. In 1949, he composed a school song for Tacoma's Lincoln High School, and later created "Go Giants Go" for the Tacoma Giants (Pacific Coast League) and "One Hundred Years of Progress" for Tacoma's 1969 Centennial celebration. 

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In 1969, on his 87th birthday, the City of Tacoma honored Jordan for his remarkable contributions to the local community.