[1] This city-owned edifice was constructed in 1906 to a neoclassical design by architect Oliver Duke Wheeler and his collaborators with a dome and pediment façade.

[3][4] At the beginning, the building was used as Central High School until 1922.

In 1924 it was modified by removing the dome as well as the pediment and then used as city hall.

[5][6] In 1986 the edifice was again completely renovated including the construction of a glass atrium at the original entrance.

[7][5] Since the last modification of the building in the 1980s the Durham Arts Council uses it as a cultural center which contains PSI Theatre, four galleries, various studios and rehearsal spaces, an outdoor terrace and gardens.