Department of Labor Building facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Department of Labor Building
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
The Department of Labor building with construction nearly complete in 1934
Location in Washington, D.C.
Location	14th Street, and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, D.C.
Built	1934
Architect	Arthur Brown, Jr.
Architectural style	Classical Revival
Part of	Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site (ID66000865)

The Department of Labor Building is a famous office building in Washington, D.C.. It's also known as the William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building. This historic building is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue in an area called the Federal Triangle.

When it first opened, this building was the main office for the United States Department of Labor. This department helps workers and businesses in the United States. Later, the building became home to the U.S. Customs Service. Today, the building is used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA works to protect human health and the environment.

Building History: From Design to Dedication

This important building was designed by an architect named Arthur Brown, Jr.. He worked on the plans between 1928 and 1931. The construction of the building was finished in 1934.

Creating the Federal Triangle Area

The Department of Labor Building was part of a bigger plan. This plan was to develop a large area in Washington, D.C., known as the Federal Triangle. For many years, people wanted to improve this area. Finally, in 1926, the U.S. Congress agreed to provide money. This money was used to buy land and build new government offices.

In July 1926, the government suggested building the Department of Labor Building. It would be located between 13th and 14th Streets NW. In March 1927, they decided to add another building next to it. This second building would be for "Independent Offices." Later, it became the main office for the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). The ICC used to regulate transportation in the U.S.

President Hoover's Vision

Designing these large buildings took some time. In April 1930, President Herbert Hoover had an idea. He suggested building a special "Departmental Auditorium." This auditorium would connect the Labor and ICC buildings. It would cost about $2 million.

On December 15, 1932, President Hoover helped lay the cornerstones for both buildings. A cornerstone is the first stone laid for a building. It is usually placed with a special ceremony. People from a group called the Freemasons helped the President. They are known for their building traditions.

President Hoover personally watched the cornerstone being placed for the Labor building. His words were even broadcast over loudspeakers. This allowed workers at the ICC building to hear him. They placed the ICC cornerstone at the same time. This was the first time in Washington, D.C., that one person dedicated two cornerstones at once! William Green, who was the President of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), also attended the ceremony. The AFL is a large group that represents workers.

Recognized as a Historic Site

In 1966, the U.S. Congress recognized the Department of Labor Building. They said it was an important part of the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site. Later, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to American history.

Who Has Used the Building?

The Department of Labor Building has been home to several important government agencies.

Original Occupants: Department of Labor

The United States Department of Labor was the first agency to use the building. They stayed there from its opening until 1979. In 1979, the Department of Labor moved to a new building. It is called the Frances Perkins Building.

New Tenants: Customs and EPA

After the Department of Labor moved out, the U.S. Customs Service moved in. They used the building from 1979 until the late 1990s. The Customs Service then moved to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved into the building. It was then called the "EPA West" building.

A Larger Federal Complex

In 2013, Congress officially named the building the William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building. This name now includes the EPA West Building. It also includes two buildings next to it. These were formerly the Interstate Commerce Commission Building (now "EPA East") and the Ariel Rios Federal Building. Together, they form a large federal office complex.

See also

In Spanish: Edificio del Departamento de Trabajo para niños