The Swiss architects Otto Wilhelm Pfleghard and Max Haefeli erected the building between 1903 and 1906, having become known for their work in Alfred Schellenberg's architectural office.

Since the death of Friedrich Wilhelm Söhnlein in 1938, the villa has had different functions: in 1940 it was rented by the police administration, four years later it was bought by the "Third Reich" and after the end of the war until 1995 it was used by the American military administration.

The building is now privately owned.