It is separated from Georgia Avenue to the west by a parking lot, and from 6th Street by the Johnson Administration Building, which forms an L around its north side.

It is a 2+1⁄2-story painted brick building, with a mansard roof providing a full third floor, and a fieldstone foundation that is exposed on the west and south due to the sloping terrain.

A three-story tower projects from the southwest corner, rising to a low balustrade surrounding a mansard roof, which is crowned by iron cresting.

The interior retains some original features, but has in parts been altered to provide modern office space.

In that role, Howard was a major supporter of improved educational opportunities for newly freed African Americans.