[3] Architect Henri Evers drew a first draft in 1911 and presented the final design to the city council, which declared it the winner in 1913.

[5] Following the 1940 bombing, the building remained virtually intact, but the heat surrounding it damaged the structure's concrete.

The building was designed in full Beaux-Arts style with Byzantine, Romanesque and art deco influences.

The clock tower stands in the center of the main facade on Coolsingel, at the top of the building's central hall, and is 71 meters high.

A gold statue depicting an angel, the work of sculptor Johan Keller [nl], is placed at the top.