In 1501, the wealthy Butchers' Guild (the Vleeshouwers) commissioned a prestigious new guildhall (butcher's hall) to show off their immense economic power. A plan was drawn up by Renowned architect Herman de Waghemakere and construction was completed by his son, Domien de Waghemakere, in 1504. Its exterior is featured by an alternation of red brick and white sandstone stripes. This distinctive pattern earned it the nickname of a "bacon-like" exterior (speklagen), a fitting nod to the building's purpose.