The project envisioned the construction of a building in the "Yaroslavl style" with a capacity of 400 people. The laying of the foundation took place on December 20, 1936, and the construction of the church was led by Father M. Danilchik. The consecration, conducted by Archbishop Tikhon, occurred on December 19, 1937. A large number of believers gathered for the solemn consecration and the first liturgy, and the church was overflowing, with some even standing on the porch. Among those present were representatives of the Russian emigration and residents from other cities in the Northwest, such as Wilkeson, Everett, and especially Portland, as well as many Americans.

In 1962, the church received the status of a cathedral due to the establishment of the Seattle Vicariate. Over the years, Nikolaevsky Cathedral has become a venue for important events of the diocese, such as clergy meetings and youth conferences. The cathedral has been visited by the First Hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Metropolitans Lavr and Hilarion, as well as many hierarchs of the Russian Church. Today, the Seattle Cathedral hosts a sisterhood, a church school, a kindergarten, and a charitable foundation.