Constructed as a synagogue in 1915, designed by Marcus Priteca, the Jewish congregation sold the building to the City of Seattle in 1969, and following refurbishment, was repurposed as an arts centre.

[8] Still, the institute became "Ground Zero" for Seattle's hip hop scene and played a comparable role for local African American theatrical talent.

[8] From its inception into the early 21st century, LHPAI had "a split personality" as a "rec center for neighbor kids and families," strongly associated with Seattle's African American community, [that] also has aspired to be an arts organization, where serious actors, dancers and poets perform and train.

"[8] The latter concern came, in part, because the Parks Department brought in Manuel Cawaling, an Asian American, as the institute's managing director.

[8] Moscou, an African American, was placed on administrative leave in October 2007 after several accusations that she had "made racially offensive and intimidating comments to and about her Asian-American colleagues".