The Chet Holifield Federal Building, a 1-million-square-foot government complex in Laguna Niguel, California, known online as "The Ziggurat," has been sold for over $207 million. The buyer is an affiliate of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. The General Services Administration announced the sale, stating it generated significant revenue and will save taxpayers over $340 million in future repair and upgrade costs.
Designed by architect William Pereira, who also worked on San Francisco's Transamerica Pyramid, the building was constructed in 1971. It previously housed federal agencies, including approximately 2,000 employees from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. By the time it was put up for auction, the building was only about half occupied.
A previous auction attempt in 2023, requiring the building's preservation, did not attract bidders. A second auction in 2024 saw bids exceeding $160 million, but the sale did not close, leading to an outright sale process initiated earlier this year.
Hoag CEO Robert Braithwaite expressed the health system's commitment to a thoughtful, long-term approach for the property. However, Laguna Niguel Mayor Gene Johns indicated that city officials were surprised by the sale announcement and have not yet seen any redevelopment plans from Hoag. Johns noted that any transformation of the large, historically significant structure will likely take years.
In addition to its official government use, the building's unique architecture and largely vacant interiors have garnered a cult following online. Its vast corridors, stark Brutalist design, and deserted office spaces have drawn comparisons to the "Backrooms" internet horror phenomenon. Former workers and visitors have shared accounts of the building's eerie atmosphere, describing "endless, empty corridors," "lost time capsule vibe," old office furniture, and artificial windows designed to mimic daylight. Some visitors have described the interior as "creepy" and possessing a sense of "negative energy."
The building's vastness and peculiar interior have also attracted photographers and urban explorers seeking unusual locations. The GSA noted the transaction as one of the largest redevelopment site sales in Orange County history.