G & R Wills traded throughout Australia and opened a buying house in London in 1859. The firm prospered and moved into these premises in 1867, which extended from Rundle Street (now Rundle Mall) to North Terrace. The architects Wright Woods and Hamilton planned a store for G & R Wills at the back of Rundle Street which was erected by English and Brown for 3,890 pounds by January 1867.

The premises were refaced and extended to the design of Daniel Garlick and constructed by Brown and Thompson in the 1870s. By 1880 the exterior of the complex had reached its present form. "The present character of the building is marked by the separate nature of the two sections, each however being of similar design. This duality is emphasied by the setback of the western structure and the originally symmetrical design of each elevation." (Heritage of the City of Adelaide page 113) Both facades are notable for sandstone ashlar walling and cement dressings. The Corinithian pilasters, quoins, string courses, surrounds to openings and parapets are excellent and remain very much intact today.

In more recent times the western half of the building has been occupied by part of the Gallerie Shopping Arcade and the eastern half was occupied by John Martins and Co, now David Jones.

This building is listed on the South AUstralian Heritage Register.

Heritage of the city of Adelaide: an illustrated guide Adelaide: Corporation of the City of Adelaide, 1990