Sidney R. Yates Federal Building

The Sidney R. Yates Federal Building is a federal office structure on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built with red and black brick in Romanesque style. The L-shaped layout displays characteristic features of this architectural approach, including rounded arches and substantial masonry walls.

The structure was built between 1878 and 1880 for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, originally serving currency and stamp production. Multiple federal agencies later used the space before it became the headquarters of the Forest Service.

The building honors a politician who shaped conservation policy, and its name reflects the connection between his legacy and the agencies housed within. Inside, you can observe how federal workers use the spaces for their daily administrative tasks.

The building sits near the National Mall and is walkable from several metro stations nearby. Entry is available during business hours on weekdays, though some interior spaces are restricted from public access.

This structure was among the first American government buildings to embrace electric lighting, replacing gas illumination with electric bulbs in 1888. The choice reflected early confidence in this emerging technology.