The site for the new school building at 14th between Maine and Jersey was selected in March of 1921. The necessity of a new high school intensified through the 1920s, as the school board, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club worked to secure funding and public favor. Chicago architect John D. Chubb was selected to design the building. By 1929, the price for the new building was estimated at $1,300,000, $800,000 over the $500,000 authorized by the board. Construction was delayed to allow time to collect tax revenue.