In its application to the National Park Service for protected status, the building is described as "significant as an early example of modern architecture in Columbus, and as an important example of the contextual work of John Carl Warnecke, a leading architect of the twentieth century.

The construction is steel framing on concrete slabs, with the walls finished in steel-clad glass and brick.

[3] Warnecke's design for McDowell attempted to combine functionality with open space reminiscent of an Indiana farm landscape.

In his concept for McDowell, Warnecke said a "dominant characteristic of southern Indiana is the flat terrain, a horizontal theme accentuated by tall Victorian houses, barns, and silos, with picturesque groves of trees.

Warnecke also designed the John F. Kennedy grave at Arlington National Cemetery and the Hawaii State Capitol building.