Exploring architecture is often a double-edged sword; it involves admiration as much as critique. In the bustling landscape of New York, a constellation of buildings both illustrious and infamous dots the skyline. Among these architectural entities, certain structures have garnered a notorious reputation for their design—or lack thereof. Below, we delve into the ten ugliest buildings in the U.S., each emanating its own unique kind of aesthetic discord, set within the vibrant neighborhoods of New York City.
Each entry features the building’s address, contact information, and website for those who wish to further explore these controversial architectural choices.
1. Ten Grand Central (or Ten Times Square)
Address: 10 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
Contact: +1 212-777-4830
Website: tentimessquare.com
This iconic location might host prestigious tenants, but its unadorned façade and stark geometry leave much to be desired. With its colossal presence looming over Times Square, the building seems to repel aesthetic appreciation. Its boxy structure, devoid of flair or creativity, starkly contrasts with the kaleidoscopic surroundings of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections.
2. KPMG Building
Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154
Contact: +1 212-872-5000
Website: kpmg.com
The KPMG Building, although significant in its corporate stature, resembles a monolithic fortress more than a place of business. Its brutalist undertones and austere lines evoke images of Cold War-era architecture. A glass-and-steel arrangement that lacks warmth, this structure is often cited in discussions about uninspired urban design.
3. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Address: 655 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Contact: +1 212-216-2000
Website: javitscenter.com
Designed to accommodate large-scale events, the Javits Center is functional but is derided for its lack of aesthetic appeal. Its imposing and cavernous architecture is accentuated by a rather forgettable exterior, eliciting stark criticism. Nearby attractions shine, while this behemoth languishes in the shadow of more visually captivating structures.
4. One Worldwide Plaza
Address: 350 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
Contact: +1 212-730-2700
Website: worldwideplaza.com
With an austere granite exterior that traditionalists might laud, One Worldwide Plaza fails to engage the contemporary urban tapestry. Its simplicity, while sleek in concept, comes off as drab amidst the riot of colors from surrounding buildings. Critics describe it as a “nonentity” in the New York skyline, making it easily overlooked yet undeniably uninspired.
5. The New York Times Building
Address: 620 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Contact: +1 212-556-1234
Website: nytimes.com
Despite being the home of one of the most reputable newspapers, this building’s design is often labeled as pretentious. The façade, draped in a screen of ceramic rods, attempts to assert elegance but instead comes across as awkward and clumsy. The architect’s intentions may have been grand, but the end result leaves the aesthetics in futile disarray.
6. St. Regis Hotel
Address: 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
Contact: +1 212-753-4500
Website: stregis.com
Not far from the affluence of Central Park, the St. Regis emerges as a study in dichotomy. The stately interior is oft overshadowed by its exterior, which many locals deem lackluster. Its incongruous attempts at grandiosity are seldom admired and instead attract critique. What should be captivating is rendered complacent.
7. The MetLife Building
Address: 200 Park Ave, New York, NY 10166
Contact: +1 212-578-2211
Website: metlife.com
Resembling an oversized box atop a pedestal, the MetLife Building’s presence is as polarizing as its scale. Once hailed as a marvel of modern architecture, its pragmatic design makes it appear both cumbersome and uninspired. Vertical lines dominate, yet fail to evoke any emotional resonance, garnering it a place in the ugliest architectural rankings.
8. 7 World Trade Center
Address: 250 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Contact: +1 212-801-3700
Website: 7wtc.com
While its predecessor was once a revered icon, the new 7 World Trade Center structure lacks the poignancy of its former self. The glass façade attempts a modern sleekness, but the resultant design feels stilted and austere. Many feel that the building’s spirit is dampened by its minimalistic approach, making it a dubious choice for a site of immense historical significance.
9. The Verizon Building
Address: 140 West St, New York, NY 10007
Contact: +1 212-650-3800
Website: verizon.com
The Verizon Building, distinguished by its utilitarian profile, embodies a stark reality of late-century corporate architecture. Its rigid, fortress-like structure may signify security, but fails to elicit any admiration. Many passersby would argue that it’s the epitome of uninspiring corporate edifices that populate modern urban environments.
10. 1411 Broadway
Address: 1411 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Contact: +1 212-244-7400
Website: 1411broadway.com
Lastly, 1411 Broadway wraps up our list with an exterior that evokes curiosity for all the wrong reasons. Seen as a classic example of architectural defeat, its haphazard massing and uninspired aesthetics often draw laughter instead of admiration. This building epitomizes the notion that not all structures are wrought from visionary aspirations.
Each of these buildings serves as testimony to architectural choices that divide public opinion. Whether serving as destinations, workplaces, or mere backdrops, their unsightly exteriors ignite debate over the parameters of beauty in urban landscapes. The exploration of these controversial structures reveals the evolving nature of architectural identity in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
