Internal Revenue Service Building

The Internal Revenue Service Building is a monumental neoclassical structure occupying an entire city block with limestone walls, classical columns, and bronze ornamental details throughout. Its seven floors are connected by seventeen elevators and house the agency's offices and administrative functions.

Construction began in 1928 under architect Louis A. Simon from the Treasury Department and was completed in 1936. The project finished sixteen months ahead of schedule and became the first Federal Triangle building to open in 1930.

The building displays Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s quote about taxes and civilization on its exterior entrance along Constitution Avenue. The inscription is clearly visible to visitors and shapes how people perceive the structure's purpose.

The structure is located at 1111 Constitution Avenue Northwest in the Federal Triangle area. Visitors should note this is an active government building, so public access and viewing times may be limited.

The building was completed sixteen months ahead of its original schedule, which was unusual for a large public construction project of that era. This swift completion made it a pioneer in the Federal Triangle and demonstrated the efficient building practices of the time.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Architects: Louis A. Simon

Architectural style: neoclassicism

Part of: Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site

GPS coordinates: 38.89333,-77.02694

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23