‘Green’ federal building once ridiculed by President-elect Trump being dedicated to Nancy Pelosi
The Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco is set to be formally dedicated to the former House Speaker next week. This 18-story government building, once criticized as one of the ugliest structures in the city by President-elect Trump, will now bear Pelosi’s name in recognition of her service and leadership.
Originally named the San Francisco Federal Building, the structure opened in 2007 at a cost of $144 million. Designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, the building is LEED certified and consumes one-third the energy of a typical California office building. It features stainless steel panels and V-shaped designs that maximize natural light and airflow, creating a healthy environment for workers.
The renaming of the building was authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill. Pelosi, who represents California’s 12th congressional district, will be present at the ceremony to unveil new signage on Monday.
Despite its energy efficiency, the building’s exterior has sparked mixed opinions among San Franciscans. President Trump’s executive order in 2020 aimed to promote beautiful federal civic architecture, criticizing the building’s design as unsatisfactory. However, President Biden revoked the order in 2021.
While the building’s aesthetics have been a point of contention, it has also faced safety concerns. Reports of drug-related incidents and homelessness around the building prompted employees to consider working from home for their safety.
Pelosi, one of the most senior Democratic Party leaders and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, has been a key figure in national politics. Under her leadership, the House impeached President Trump twice, though he was acquitted by the Senate both times.
As San Francisco saw a surprising 7-point swing to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, the dedication of the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building serves as a reminder of her influential role in California politics and beyond.
