The most prominent feature of the structure is a castle-like tower on the corner. Mackintosh built it to include over 8000 gallons of water, an early fire extinguisher system to protect goods inside should the building have ever caught alight (which in Glasgow is always a distinct possibility).

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Almost a century after it was built in 1895, and after two decades of lying abandoned, it was renovated and relaunched as The Lighthouse. Due to its Mackintosh heritage, it has a section devoted to the architect and artist’s life and work, as well as the history of the building itself.

As well as hosting other exhibits, The Lighthouse has positioned itself as a central hub for creativity in the city. The centre holds lectures and workshops in a variety of fields. There is also a Digital Design Gallery as well as regular fairs and markets, allowing craft makers to sell their works to the general public.