Edwin Gutknecht was a salesman for the C.A. Lawton Foundry Company when he and his wife Jennie had this house constructed in 1913. Designed in the Prairie style by prominent architect William Reynolds, it was reported to be the most expensive house built in De Pere that year. The Prairie style is characterized by its boxy form with eaves, cornices and other facade details creating a horizontal emphasis; one-story wings or porches are common. The Gutknecht house features these characteristics of the style. The broad porch, contrasting wall materials and the row of banding at the second floor all contribute to the design's horizontal emphasis.

In De Pere, William Reynolds is primarily known for designing the buildings on the campus of St. Norbert College. Between 1901 and continuing until 1930, he was responsible for the design of all of the campus buildings of that time period. With the exception of the Gutknecht House, his residential commissions are unknown leaving the possibility that more of his designs may be discovered.

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