Video: Demolition of the Passaic County Jail in Paterson NJ
Demolition of the Passaic County Jail has progressed in recent weeks. The county now sends its prisoners to the Bergen County Jail.
After surveying more than 3,000 people, the New Jersey Real Estate Network has determined which public buildings are the ugliest in the United States.
Unfortunately for New Jersey, two buildings made the list.
“Not every government building gets the same level of affection as a courthouse with columns or a city hall,” reads the report. “In fact, when over 3,000 people were asked to weigh in on the country’s ugliest public buildings, the results painted a fascinating — and often concrete-colored — picture of civic architecture across the U.S.”
The survey focused on visual appeal, but the New Jersey Real Estate Network said it’s worth noting that sentiment often overlaps with how residents feel about the function and upkeep of the space.
While residents may tolerate a “drab building” with great service, a crumbling or confusing building is likely to rack up some complaints, the report says.
Two New Jersey buildings make the list of the ugliest public buildings in the U.S.
Coming in at No. 7 on the list is the Atlantic City Municipal Court, and in the 25th spot is the Passaic County Administration Building.
“Both Atlantic City and Passaic landed on the list, with buildings that stand out for not standing out,” says the New Jersey Real Estate Network’s report. “In a state where dramatic skyline views and flashy urban redevelopment are common, these understated government buildings feel especially muted.”
No. 25: The Passaic County Administration Building
The Passaic County Administration Building landed in the 25th spot on the list of the ugliest public buildings in the country.
This building serves as the central hub for county matters. It houses several departments, including Finance, Human Services, and Planning and Economic Development, along with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Top 10 ugliest public buildings in the U.S.
These are the 10 ugliest public buildings in the United States, according to the New Jersey Real Estate Network:
City of Flint Municipal Center, Flint, Michigan.Fresno County Superior Court, Fresno, California.Buffalo City Court, Buffalo, New York.Jackson County Courts Building, Pascagoula, Mississippi.Philadelphia Municipal Services Building, Philadelphia.Akron Municipal Court, Akron, Ohio.Atlantic City Municipal Court, Atlantic City.Bentonville Public Works Maintenance Facility, Bentonville, Arkansas.Tuscaloosa County Public Works Building, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.El Paso County Court Administration Building, El Paso, Texas.
To view the full list, visit newjerseyrealestatenetwork.com/blog/ugliest-public-buildings.
This story was updated because an earlier version contained an inaccuracy.