U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex, Federal office building in Southwest Washington, D.C., United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex is a six-story federal office building in Southwest Washington constructed of buff-colored brick in a uniform stretcher bond pattern. It houses administrative and warehouse spaces along with north-facing skylights that were built to support specialized work processes.
Built between 1936 and 1937 under architect Louis A. Simon, the structure served as headquarters for the USDA Cotton Division until 1964. It then transitioned away from its original agricultural mission as federal priorities shifted.
The building shows how the federal government supported cotton research and quality standards. It reflects the close relationship between public administration and agricultural industries during that era.
The building is visible from the street and displays features typical of the area's classical architecture. Its location in Southwest Washington makes it accessible for visitors walking through this part of the city.
The skylights were specifically engineered to allow cotton fiber inspection under standardized light conditions. This technical detail reveals how seriously the government took the work of quality assessment.
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