Des Moines architects Karl Keffer and Earl E. Jones designed the building in the Art Deco style.

The original portion of the building was constructed from 1933 to 1935 by Ringland-Johnson Company.

It is a large, two-story structure with a brick exterior and stone trim and accent panels.

The former school building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Plans call for the building to be converted into senior apartments.