The Minneapolis City Hall is described as an unattractive structure, characterized by its heavy use of red granite and a design that reflects a gloomy nineteenth-century Romanesque style. It stands in stark contrast to the modern skyline of the surrounding glass-and-steel buildings, making it look out of place. Its imposing and unadorned appearance gives it a gritty, unappealing presence in the vibrant city landscape.

This juxtaposition emphasizes the old versus the new, as the City Hall resembles a blemish against the elegance of contemporary architecture. Rather than blending in, it defiantly retains its weighty historical essence, serving as a reminder of a different architectural era. This striking imagery highlights the tensions between historical preservation and modern development in urban settings.