Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again: Classical Revival Order
Published Date: 9/3/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The government is bringing back beautiful, classical-style buildings to make federal architecture inspiring and easy to recognize again. This change affects all new federal buildings, shifting away from modern designs that many people don’t like. Starting now, local communities will have more say, and the government will invest in designs that connect with American history and pride.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
GSA Will Favor Classical Expertise
The General Services Administration (GSA) must update policies so GSA architects reviewing designs have training or significant experience in classical/traditional architecture, create a senior advisor in classical architecture, and give substantive weight to classical/traditional experience when evaluating design‑build phase‑one offerors.
Classical Design Is Preferred
Federal policy makes classical and traditional architecture the preferred style for "applicable Federal public buildings." In the District of Columbia, classical architecture is the preferred and default architecture for Federal public buildings unless there are exceptional factors.
$50M Threshold Defines Coverage
An "applicable Federal public building" includes any Federal public building that costs or is expected to cost more than $50 million in 2025 dollars to design, build, and finish. The definition also explicitly includes all Federal courthouses, agency headquarters, and all Federal public buildings in the National Capital Region.
Renovations Must Consider Classical Redesign
When renovating, reducing, or expanding applicable Federal public buildings that do not meet the preferred criteria, agencies must examine the feasibility and potential expense of redesigning to meet the classical/traditional criteria and, where feasible and economical, give such redesign substantial consideration, especially for exteriors.
Extra Review Before Non‑Classical Approvals
If GSA proposes approving a design that diverges from the preferred architecture (including Brutalist or Deconstructivist styles), the Administrator must notify the President via the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy at least 30 days before GSA could reject such a design without substantial expenditures, and provide detailed justification and cost comparisons.
Local Agencies Must Be Consulted
Site choice for Federal buildings should be made in cooperation with local agencies, with special attention to how buildings fit streets and public places, and to reflect regional architectural traditions; agencies should pay attention to the preferences of the American people and local communities.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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