Ulster County Office Building, Kingston, Ulster County

Kingston has served as the seat of government for Ulster County since the colonial era. Controversial since its 1964 construction and subject of much public protest, the Ulster County Office Building stands out from the nearby historic architecture of the Stockade District, and not necessarily in a good way. Although it is likely a practical building, it remains somewhat of an eyesore for the neighborhood. With its 1964 construction the building replaced three old buildings which housed the County Clerk’s office, Welfare Department and Motor Vehicle Bureau. Construction costs for the building were $1,445,000. The office building was designed by Augustus R. Schrowang and Augustus Schrowang Jr., a local architectural firm.