Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building

Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. It is the headquarters of the United States Department of Justice and a monumental presence in the Federal Triangle of Washington, D.C.. Completed in 1934, the structure is a prime example of Stripped Classicism architecture from the Great Depression era. The building was renamed in 2001 to honor the 64th United States Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy, who served under President John F. Kennedy.

History and construction

The building's development was part of the massive Federal Triangle construction project initiated in the late 1920s to consolidate Executive Branch agencies. Designed by the architectural firm Zantzinger, Borie and Medary, construction began in 1931 under the administration of President Herbert Hoover. The project was overseen by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of the Supervising Architect and employed thousands of workers through the Public Works Administration during the depths of the Great Depression. It was officially opened on October 25, 1934, providing a permanent, centralized home for the United States Department of Justice, which had previously been housed in the now-demolished Old Southern Railway Building.

Architecture and design

The building is a monumental example of Stripped Classicism, a style that blends simplified Neoclassical forms with modern, austere detailing. Its exterior is clad in Indiana limestone and features a colonnaded facade facing Constitution Avenue. Architects Zantzinger, Borie and Medary, led by Milton B. Medary, designed the structure to harmonize with neighboring buildings like the National Archives Building and the Internal Revenue Service building. The interior is organized around two large, skylit courtyards and features extensive use of Alabama marble, Vermont marble, and intricate bronze grilles and fixtures, showcasing the craftsmanship of the New Deal era.

Function and significance

As the primary headquarters of the United States Department of Justice, the building houses the offices of the United States Attorney General, the United States Deputy Attorney General, and other senior leadership. It is the operational nerve center for the department's major divisions, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Civil Rights Division. The building's significance extends beyond its administrative function, having been the site of historic policy decisions, major press conferences, and legal strategies developed during pivotal events like the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War.

Renaming and dedication

Originally called simply the Department of Justice Building, it was renamed by an act of the United States Congress in 2001. The legislation was signed into law by President George W. Bush to honor the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy, who served as Attorney General from 1961 to 1964. The formal dedication ceremony was held on November 20, 2001, with numerous dignitaries in attendance, including members of the Kennedy family, former Attorney General Janet Reno, and sitting Attorney General John Ashcroft. The renaming recognized Kennedy's vigorous advocacy for civil rights and his transformation of the department during a tumultuous period in American history.

Notable features and artwork

The building is renowned for its extensive and symbolic New Deal art program. The fifth-floor Attorney General's suite contains the famous mural series, *"The Defeat of the Axis Powers,"* painted by Maurice Sterne. Major interior spaces feature allegorical murals by artists like George Biddle and John Steuart Curry. The grand Great Hall is adorned with large-scale maps crafted from various marbles, depicting historical American territorial acquisitions. Notable architectural elements include the massive bronze doors at the main entrance, intricate elevator doors depicting scenes of American industry, and a memorial hall dedicated to employees of the United States Department of Justice who have died in the line of duty.

Category:United States Department of Justice Category:Buildings and structures in Washington, D.C. Category:Federal Triangle