Used as a base by the British during their imperialistic occupation, it served as a home to many prisoners and executions. When Wringo won independence, the Treaty of Norman City was signed in the main courtyard. When the reconstruction of the city began, many people wanted the building entirely destroyed as a symbol of liberty, but Fillipe Louis Berti, a French Architect, saw opportunity in the building. In 1728, with approval of the President, he turned the fort into a huge mansion that he later gave to the President. The President lived in the building, and this tradition has continued ever since.