The project included extensive programming with City Colleges, the existing Kennedy King College and the Public Building Commission. Johnson & Lee Architects was responsible for all aspects of the project.

The New Kennedy King College has six buildings, with several buildings framing a traditional collegiate quadrangle. The college includes a new culinary school, a theater, WYCC television and WKKC Radio in addition to classrooms, laboratories, a natatorium, a library building and a childcare building.

The college has both student-supported services and community services. The student-run bookstore, graphic services, restaurant and childcare all serve the general public.

The design of NKKC included green architecture in its approach. In addition to 800 parking spaces the campus is accessible by two public transportation surface lines as well as an elevated rapid transit line that runs through the campus.