A decade later it was made more formal with classical Ionic columns and pediment, possibly by James Stephen, the school district's architect. The Seattle School District, which operated the school until December 1921. The school played an important role in the cultural development of the Asian community within the neighborhood, where it served as the education center for the majority of first generation Americans of Japanese and Chinese descent in the city. The property was threatened with demolition. Historic Seattle bought the building in May 1974 from H. T. Kabota, making it the first property transaction made by the organization.
Covenants continue to protect property.