The construction of the FBI's headquarters — officially known as the J. Edgar Hoover Building — began in the 1960s. It is emblematic of brutalist architecture, which originated in the mid-20th century.
An article from The Washingtonian, a prominent local newspaper in DC, states that the building, which is the home of the FBI, has long been considered the "scorn of Washingtonians." The author later describes the structure as "cold, unwelcoming, [and] almost dystopian."
According to a survey conducted by home improvement company Buildworld, the building is deemed to be the ugliest building in the US.
The FBI website states that the structure heavily "[contrasts] with the traditional marble, granite, or limestone government buildings."
In defense of the building, Deane Madsen, who runs an Instagram account dedicated to appreciating DC's brutalist buildings, stated, "DC isn't just Greek revival monuments or courthouse style buildings. It's not just these sort of white marble edifices."