Designed by Chicago architect John D. Chubb, it is a three-story Neoclassical structure with a flat roof.

It features slightly projecting bays and prominent belt courses that encircle the building.

When it was constructed, the building was symmetrical in design, but when the auditorium was added in 1937 it threw off the symmetry.

Avery had introduced a five-year high school program that included vocational training as many students would not be going on to college.

The auditorium was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Keffer & Jones.