Constructed in 1941, Building 40 served as a bachelor officers' quarters on the Main Post in the period of rapid growth on the Presidio during World War II.

World War II buildings at the Presidio, as at other Army bases, were constructed from standard plans designed for quick, cheap construction that could be sited anywhere. The basic building pattern, as shown with the Main Post's Building 40, called for very simple rectangular wood-frame buildings, with exterior stairs at each end, horizontal wood siding and asphalt-shingled roofs. This design was applied to all building types, indiscriminately, so the barracks, mess halls, administrative buildings, post exchanges, chapels and various other service buildings had similar appearances.

Originally built as a temporary administrative office in 1941, Building 37 and most other temporary buildings constructed during the World War II expansion still stand today.

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