In the 1914-1915 Anchorage's population grew quickly when workmen and their families moved to the area to work on building the Alaska Railroad.

The two story building was designed and built by the Alaska Engineering Commission in 1915 during the first year of the city's growth.

[3] The building was saved from demolition after the earthquake of 1964 through the efforts and funds provided by the Anchorage Woman's Club.

[1] Its NRHP nomination notes:In its era, the school was labeled "entirely inadequate," "insanitary," and was characteristically "of an order of the early eighteenth century."

The school lacked paint, restrooms, running water, a satisfactory heating system, and a solid foundation.