FBI Unveils Business Entrance

It’s slightly more inviting than the old look, and the powerwashing of the facade is welcome, but isn’t it a bit like putting lipstick on a pig (to borrow a phrase recently in the news)? The entire block is still a dead zone in the midst of an emerging vibrant downtown neighborhood.

Yes, it’s a very nice and welcoming entrance. The building, however, is still a great, big eyesore and no entrance – no matter how attractive – will change that.

I think the building looks fine. Not every piece of the neighborhood can look perfect, this has already been addressed in previous blogs. FBI was here first and I think it would be a waste for government buildings to be extragavantly decorated with glass and marble.

The FBI building was constructed in 1974, and an entire city block of existing small retailers were obliterated, along with much historic architecture. Shops, restaurants, and atractive Victorian facades were replaced by a giant lump of concrete with no retail, and obtrusive security measures. The only redeeming feature were the tours/museum, which are now gone.

This building and block would look a lot prettier if they would put flowers in their huge concrete planters that line the whole block.

I actually like the way the building looks. It is imposing and menacing. It exudes “FBI”. The huge setback, barred-off entrances, and general lifelessness suck all vitality out of the area around the building. This I do not like; however, it also exudes “FBI”; at least the dead zone is appropriate for the agency.

Oh, and Columbo, did you manage to snap this photo without having government agents seize you on suspicion of being a terrorist?

Omari: The FBI seems to be a lot more relaxed with the business entrace. You can walk right up to the doors without police coming out to turn you away.