A comprehensive national survey of more than 3,000 Americans has identified the country's most aesthetically challenged civic buildings, with three New York structures earning dubious spots on the top 100 list. The study, which focused on municipal and government buildings across the United States, reveals that architectural beauty remains a contentious topic when it comes to public infrastructure.
Leading New York's representation on this unflattering list is Buffalo's Frank A. Sedita City Court Building, which secured the third position among America's ugliest civic structures. This imposing 10-story Brutalist courthouse, constructed between 1971 and 1974, was designed by the local architectural firm Pfohl, Roberts and Biggie. Located directly across from Buffalo City Hall on Niagara Square, the building features a dominating concrete facade, narrow vertical windows, and an intimidating fortress-like appearance that was intentionally designed to minimize distractions for judges and jurors during legal proceedings.
The courthouse's stark concrete exterior and bunker-like aesthetic has drawn criticism from residents and visitors alike, with many comparing its appearance to Cold War-era military installations rather than a welcoming center of justice. Despite its functional design intentions, the building's imposing presence has failed to win over public opinion, earning it recognition as one of the nation's most visually unappealing government buildings.
Further down the list at number 18, Rochester's Monroe County Hall of Justice represents another example of function-over-form architecture that has struggled to gain aesthetic appreciation. This government complex houses various county courts but is characterized by its boxy, utilitarian design that prioritizes operational efficiency over visual appeal. The building's squat profile and austere exterior design have made it nearly invisible to many local residents, blending into the urban landscape in what critics describe as an "aggressively forgettable" manner.
Completing New York's trio of architecturally challenged structures is the Westchester County Office Building in White Plains, which claimed the 40th position on the national ranking. While not achieving the same level of notoriety as Buffalo's concrete monolith, this mid-century government building has earned its own reputation for uninspired design. The structure's rigid geometric lines and bland facade contribute to an overall appearance that residents often compare to a Department of Motor Vehicles office rather than a dignified seat of local government.
The methodology behind this comprehensive architectural assessment was straightforward and scientifically sound. Researchers conducted an extensive online survey during July 2025, carefully sampling respondents across diverse demographics including age, gender, and geographic location to ensure representative results. Survey participants were asked to evaluate and rank civic and municipal buildings throughout the country, including courthouses, city halls, government offices, and other public structures based on their aesthetic appeal and architectural merit.
The resulting national ranking reads like a catalog of architectural trends that never quite resonated with the American public, featuring numerous examples of Brutalist holdovers from the 1960s and 1970s, boxy bureaucratic complexes, and concrete-heavy designs that prioritized functionality over visual harmony. These buildings represent an era of civic architecture that emphasized durability and cost-effectiveness while often overlooking the psychological and cultural impact of public building design on communities.
The survey results highlight ongoing debates within architectural circles about the balance between practical considerations and aesthetic value in public building design. Many of the buildings on the list were constructed during periods when municipal budgets were tight and architectural trends favored stark, minimalist designs that could be built quickly and maintained easily.
For visitors and residents in Buffalo, Rochester, and White Plains, these buildings serve as prominent reminders that architectural legacy can be complicated. While they may not win design awards or inspire tourist photography, these structures have become integral parts of their respective cityscapes and continue to serve their intended functions decades after construction. As the survey suggests, beauty in architecture remains subjective, and what some consider ugly, others might argue represents honest, unpretentious civic architecture that reflects the practical needs and budget constraints of their era.
