In the 1930's the New Deal, aimed at boosting the economy and providing employment in the midst of the Great Depression, awarded $136,000 to fund the building of a central school via the Public Works Administration Grant and completed it 1934. Later in the 1960's it was converted for use as a middle school until it was shut down in 1997. In 1998 the City of Moab obtained ownership of the structure, and renovation began in 2004 and finished in 2005. Two main goals were followed during the renovation which were first to preserve as much historic features as possible, while secondly, adding as many sustainable features as possible. Succeeding in these goals qualified the building for a Silver LEED Certification as well as multiple other awards.