After ten houses adjacent to the McClure Middle School were purchased by the city recreation fund, in 1974 local architect Benjamin F. McAdoo was selected to design the structure.

It was designed in Modernist style, featuring trademark details in the interior such as exposed concrete wall, brickwork, and support beams.

[2][3] The pool's construction was first delayed in 1972 due to high property costs in Queen Anne and a lack of open space.

No suitable pool locations were available in the area around Queen Anne High School due to a lack of open space and high property values, prompting Park Superintendent Hans Thompson to suggest a location adjacent to McClure Middle School, a proposal supported by local community organizations.

[3][4][5] After public debate and delays from deliberations over whether the bond allowed the proposed locations, the City Council's Parks Committee chose the site adjacent to McClure in late 1973.

Following an early 1973 environmental survey, ten houses situated on the site were purchased through a $325,000 (equivalent to $2,800,000 in 2023) payment by the Parks and Recreation Fund.

In November 1974, African-American architect Benjamin F. McAdoo, a specialist in Modernist and Northwest Regional styles, was selected to design the structure.

[3] While the opening date was planned for November 9, 1977, it was delayed by one day after a faulty thermostat overheated the pool to 100 °F (38 °C), far exceeding the intended temperature of 84 °F (29 °C).

Raised grassy berms to the north and south of the building, trees to the northeast and northwest, and flower beds on all sides shield the structure and blend it into the surrounding area, which mainly consists of single-family houses.

This side of the building is single-story, and features a large recessed front entrance to the pool composed of six 6-foot-wide (1.8 m) bays, with a pair of single doors at the center .

[17] The pool is designed in a modernist style most visible in the interior due to aspects such as wood slat paneling and exposed brickwork, concrete, and support beams.