The Eisenhower Executive Office Building

This elegant building was built to house the Departments of State, War, and the Navy. Built between 1871 and 1888, its architecture is a masterpiece of its time. However, upon its completion, the building faced harsh criticism from some prominent American figures, as its style was considered too different from the city’s neoclassical buildings. In the late 1930s, it was renamed the Old Executive Office Building, and housed staff members of the President’s Executive Office. Even then, the building wasn’t hugely popular. It was even nearly torn down in 1957, but was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969, saving it from demolition. It was renovated, and continued fulfilling its official functions. Today, it houses the Office of the Vice President, the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Council. The building has retained its beautiful architecture and remains one of the most imposing structures in Washington!