3 VA Public Buildings Among Ugliest In The U.S., New List Claims

Three Virginia public buildings are among the most unattractive in the country, according to a new survey.

The survey by The Robert Dekanski Team at Re/Max 1st Advantage asked more than 3,000 people to weigh in on the country's ugliest public buildings. The results, according to the survey's authors, "painted a fascinating — and often concrete-colored — picture of civic architecture across the U.S."

Newport News Circuit Court at 2500 Washington Ave. came in at No. 42 on the list, followed by Norfolk City Hall at No. 58. Finally, the Berglund Center in Roanoke landed at No. 91.

"While court buildings dominate, there are a surprising number of libraries and multi-use civic centers scattered across the list," the Dekanski Team said. "From the Gadsden Public Library in Alabama to the Wicomico Civic Center in Maryland, these spaces often suffer from the same aesthetic issues — flat facades, oversized signage and uninspired layouts."

The list was compiled through an online survey, and more than half of the top 30 buildings are courthouses or judicial centers

"Many were built during the mid-to-late 20th century when brutalist and utilitarian styles were the norm," the survey authors said. "While they were designed to convey authority and efficiency, today they often come off as cold and fortress-like."

Meanwhile, Michigan has the distinction of two entries in the top 20: Flint's City Center took the No. 1 spot overall, while Saginaw's courthouse landed at No. 17

Alabama also clocks in with four buildings on the list, and New York isn't far behind with three, including the imposing Buffalo City Court at No. 3

In all, 48 states were represented on the list

"These aren't tourist sites or architectural darlings, they're everyday buildings people interact with when paying a bill, contesting a fine, or renewing a license," the survey authors wrote. "They're workhorses, not showpieces. But as this survey makes clear, design still matters to residents.

Here's a look at the top 10 ugliest public buildings in the United States

1. City of Flint Municipal Center, Flint, Michigan
2. Fresno County Superior Court, Fresno, California
3. Buffalo City Court, Buffalo, New York
4. Jackson County Courts Building, Pascagoula, Mississippi
5. Philadelphia Municipal Services Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6. Akron Municipal Court, Akron, Ohio
7. Atlantic City Municipal Court, Atlantic City, New Jersey
8. Bentonville Public Works Maintenance Facility, Bentonville, Arkansas
9. Tuscaloosa County Public Works Building, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
10. El Paso County Court Administration Building, El Paso, Texas

See the full list of buildings here.