Protecting Consumers and Competition 600 BLOCK PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
The Federal Trade Commission, which has occupied this building since its completion in 1938, defends the American public against unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices. One of the oldest independent federal agencies, the FTC was created in 1914. It works to protect the competitive marketplace and rights of consumers through litigation, consumer education, public hearings, and enforcement of regulations such as the Do Not Call rule. Considered the capstone of the Federal Triangle project, the FTC building stands at the apex, or point, of the Triangle. As the Great Depression deepened in the 1930s, Congress twice cut funding for the project, which originally called for costly Beaux-Arts embellishments similar to those on other Federal Triangle buildings. Eventually Congress funded Edward H. Bennett’s simpler, less ornamented “stripped classicism” design. Softening the building’s severity is artwork illustrating trade activities. Exquisitely detailed aluminum night gates depict the maritime industry’s growth, while bas-reliefs above each entrance show forms of commercial exchange. The dramatic limestone figures titled Man Controlling Trade flanking the Sixth Street façade of the building symbolize the FTC’s role in protecting competition. The well-muscled men represent government holding back the wild stallions of unregulated business. New Yorker Michael Lantz was a 29-year-old struggling artist when he won the 1938 competition to design these sculptures. Lantz was the younger brother of Walter Lantz of “Woody Woodpecker” fame.
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