Following World War II the building returned to the possession of its previous German-American owners; it continues today to be a popular venue for German-themed events in Seattle.

The structure's history dates back to 1893 when local newspaper publisher and civic leader Thomas W. Prosch [Wikidata] commissioned architect John B. Parkinson to design a two story and basement brick building on the lot just north of his home at 611 9th Avenue.

In June 1898 Prosch eagerly leased his entire building to the federal government for use as the assay office and mint.

With the government's deal resting on a firm opening date, Prosch was quick to meet the church's demands to get them off the property.

Local architect Theobald Buchinger, a native of Vienna, Austria, was commissioned to redecorate the interior to suit their needs; the vaults that once held gold would now be used to store German beer.