The project was planned in 1946 to house lower-paid civil servants of the city, which was then the Federal District of Brazil.

It was followed by other public housing works by Reidy, which included the Gávea Residential Unit (1952) and the Armando Gonzaga Theater in the planned neighborhood of Marechal Hermes (1950).

The gymnasium strongly resembles the parabolic structure of Niemeyer's Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Pampulha.

[1] The architect and writer Alfredo Britto considers the complex "one of the great symbols of Brazilian modern architecture.

"[6] In contrast, the school, gymnasium, and swimming pool of the complex retain their original purpose and remain in good condition.