Prominent local architect A. Warren Gould guided the first phase of construction; architects Henry Bittman and J. L. McCauley managed the second phase. A major remodeling in the 1960s intended to capture the spirit of urban renewal and cosmetically disguise the building’s true age destroyed many original features of the elegant marble-clad lobbies and entrance portals.
Until 1962, the County-City Building accommodated the offices of King County and City of Seattle government. Today (2000) the building houses offices of the County Executive, County Council, and County court system.