St John's Abbey was built over a period spanning from 1868 to 1959.
The construction of the abbey took place over many decades, beginning in 1868 and concluding in 1959. This extensive building period allowed for the development of its structures, which cover an area of 26 acres (11 ha). The architectural styles incorporated during its construction include Late Victorian, Second Empire, and Romanesque Revival, reflecting the long timeline and potential contributions from multiple architects over the years.