This building is historically significant in African American history due to its association with Benjamin F. McAdoo, the first Black Architect registered in Washington state. 

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McAdoo was a notable social and political activist who advocated against the detrimental effects of property redlining, segregation, and opportunity-based discrimination. He held a prominent position within his community and actively championed the rights of marginalized groups throughout the state.  

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He served as the president of the Seattle Chapter of the NAACP for over four years and hosted a radio show that focused on shedding light on pressing social issues particularly discrimination. To address the underrepresentation of the Black population in Seattle’s construction industry, he co-founded the Central Contractors Association, which supported Black architects, builders and craftsmen. In addition, McAdoo ventured into politics and ran for State Representative in the mid-1950s.  

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McAdoo's involvement with the US Agency for International Development was instrumental in his design of low-cost housing modules for Jamaica, which could be constructed by unskilled workers. His esteemed reputation and network in Seattle enabled him to undertake public projects in countries like Ghana.  

Throughout his career, McAdoo designed numerous significant residences and contributed to the development of commercial and industrial buildings as well as churches. Notable examples of his work include the Southcenter Branch of the King County Central Blood Bank, the Anne Swimming Pool, the University of Washington Ethnic Cultural Center, and Seattle Fire Station No. 29, among others.