As Durango's first educational facility dedicated solely to junior high classes, the building served as the city's only junior high school from its construction in 1937 until a second junior high opened in 1961. Designed by prominent Colorado Springs architect Charles Thomas, this rare local example of the Mission Revival style was the community's largest federally funded project during the Great Depression. The style is reflected in the brick building's curvilinear parapets, arched entrance and niches, and decorative grilles.

Quoted from the History Colorado website.