Multiple Courthouses, City Halls Ranked Among Ugliest U.S. Public Buildings

A recent survey by the New Jersey Real Estate Network ranked 100 of the ugliest public buildings in the United States, highlighting many courthouses and judicial centers, often built in brutalist or utilitarian styles. Illinois had two buildings on the list: the Peoria County Courthouse at No. 37 and the Winnebago County Circuit Court at No. 56. Wisconsin's Green Bay City Hall was ranked 33rd, characterized by its boxy, steel-framed, brick-clad design replacing a colonial revival style building. Owensboro City Hall in Kentucky made the list at No. 44, with the survey emphasizing that these buildings, though not architectural darlings, are everyday workhorse structures that impact residents' perceptions of public service. Tennessee was represented by two buildings: the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum at No. 46 and the Nashville Metro Courthouse at No. 100. The survey noted that beyond appearance, factors like functionality and upkeep influenced public opinion, with the Flint Municipal Center in Michigan ranked as the ugliest overall.