Buzz
Construction projects often experience delays, and this is completely understandable given the vast complexity and precision required to complete them. Starting the work, however, only demands some initial investment and a labor force. What follows are ten iconic buildings that had the funds but lacked the expertise and foresight—their fate being ‘works in progress’ or, if you like, ‘grand mistakes.’
10. Westminster Cathedral
You’ve probably heard of Westminster Abbey. It’s one of the most renowned and stunning churches globally—especially in England—and is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece. However, surprisingly, it isn’t the main Catholic church in the country—that distinction goes to Westminster Cathedral, which stands just a short walk away from the Abbey. And another remarkable fact about Westminster Cathedral? It’s never been fully completed.
Work is still reportedly in progress, but the vast majority of the interior remains unfinished, with bare brickwork in place of intricate decoration. This is highly unusual for Catholic churches, which are typically adorned with stunning details—and in fact, Westminster Cathedral was intended to be just as ornate as its counterparts. Work began in 1895, but completing the decoration of England's mother church has proven too costly.
9. Deutsches Stadion
The ‘German Stadium,’ as it’s known in English, was set to begin construction in September 1937 in Nuremberg, Germany. If you have even a passing knowledge of world history, this should sound an alarm.
Indeed, the stadium was the brainchild of Adolf Hitler, who envisioned a massive, Roman-style arena for various unsavory purposes (including, among other things, hosting Nazi rallies and replacing the Olympics with a concept known as the Aryan Games). Fortunately, World War II brought the project to a halt before any significant construction could take place, and (thankfully) the Nazis didn’t fare well in the conflict. As a result, the only remnants of the Deutsches Stadion are a few crumbling pillars and walls from a test site, along with a large lake in Nuremberg where the construction pit once lay.
8. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine is one of the largest Christian churches globally and an iconic landmark in Manhattan, New York. It certainly qualifies as a major point of interest, but the authorities responsible for officially recognizing such landmarks are holding off until the church, which began construction in 1892, is fully completed.
The construction process has been fraught with difficulties from the beginning—financial issues, engineering challenges, wars, and fires have all taken their toll. Additionally, the architectural design was altered several times (presumably just for the fun of it). Church officials are still working to figure out how to complete the building, but for now, it is fondly referred to as ‘Saint John the Unfinished.’
7. Super Power Building
This one certainly qualifies as a monumental disaster. The Super Power Building is to Scientology what the Vatican is to Catholicism, according to church leader David Miscavige. Construction began in 1999 in Clearwater, Florida, with an expected completion in two years and a $40 million budget. However, in 2003, work was halted for six years so that the church could completely redesign the interior and fundraise from its followers, despite accumulating $250 in daily fines for its inactivity. Work restarted in 2009, but the building still remains unopened. Many followers, having contributed millions, left in frustration, and in January 2013, Luis and Rocio Garcia even filed a lawsuit against the church for misusing their donations.
6. The International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) isn’t exactly a traditional building but rather a ‘modular structure,’ which earns its spot on this list because it’s constantly under construction. Unlike most of the other projects, the ISS was designed to be built this way—and considering the many countries involved in its operation and maintenance, the fact that it hasn't fallen apart is quite remarkable. The first component, Zarya, launched in 1998, with the most recent addition in 2011. Technically, the ISS was supposed to be ‘completed’ by 2005, but due to technological advancements, that deadline was never feasible. As a result, more modules are scheduled to be added in the coming years, and construction is estimated to be ‘nearly halfway’ finished.
5. Ajuda National Palace
Not only is the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon a renowned tourist destination, but it also served as the official residence of the Portuguese royal family. One would think that would make it a priority for Portuguese builders, but it turns out that wasn’t the case. Construction, which started in 1796, was never completed. Financial struggles and a series of wars caused multiple adjustments and delays, yet the work continued until the Portuguese revolution of 1910, which ultimately abolished the monarchy. Today, the partially finished palace functions as a museum.
4. Woodchester Mansion
If you’ve ever heard of Woodchester Mansion, it’s probably because it’s been featured on ghost-hunting TV shows, with many believing it’s haunted. While a mental hospital once considered setting up there and soldiers were stationed nearby during World War Two, the mansion has never been inhabited, so I’d take any ghost rumors with a grain of salt. The real reason for its fame is its unique design—it’s a half-built mansion, completed on the outside, but nearly empty on the inside. William Leigh, the man who commissioned the mansion, was a perfectionist who constantly supervised the construction and often changed the plans, which led to delays and financial difficulties. Although the mansion was never finished, it’s still open to the public for those who want to explore a house that only has an exterior. It’s an intriguing sight, to say the least.
3. Sagrada Família
Unlike Saint John’s Cathedral, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona has earned considerable acclaim, even though construction has been ongoing since 1882. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited by the Pope, and declared a basilica—a prestigious title for any church, comparable to winning the Super Bowl in the religious world. The church is the creation of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, who dedicated much of his life to turning it into a monumental, nature-inspired work of art. Unfortunately, Gaudí tragically passed away in 1926 after a tram accident, with the church less than a quarter complete at the time.
However, the work has continued in honor of Gaudí’s vision, funded largely by the millions of tourists who visit the site each year. As of today, the Sagrada Família is over halfway finished, with an optimistic target for completion set for 2026—the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. If that timeline isn’t met, the current lead architect remains hopeful that the project will be completed “perhaps within a century.” So, keep your calendars marked.
2. Marble Hill Nuclear Power Plant
While most of the entries on this list, despite their incomplete status, still have some form of utility, Marble Hill falls into the category of being a disastrous, unfulfilled project. This nuclear plant is a classic example of that.
This nuclear facility in Indiana was initiated in 1977 with grand plans to become a key player in the nuclear power industry. However, after seven years of progress, the company hit a financial wall in 1984 after investing $2.5 billion into the reactors, which were only about halfway completed. Unable to proceed due to financial constraints, the project was abandoned, and the equipment was sold off to recover a fraction of the costs. The plant remains half-built to this day, although the current owners are now in the process of dismantling it.
1. New Zealand Parliament Buildings
Much like the unfortunate Portuguese monarchs who had to reside in the unfinished Ajuda Palace, New Zealand's parliamentarians have spent over a century working in an incomplete building. The initial plans for the headquarters, created in 1911, called for two construction phases: one for the main chambers, and another for what were considered less critical areas, like the library and the Crown Law Office. What was expected to take just two years to build didn't even commence until 1914, with the first stage not completed until 1922, largely due to the impact of World War I. The second phase of the buildings was never constructed, and so the Parliament Buildings weren’t officially opened until 1995. Although technically still unfinished, the Beehive, another government building, occupies the remaining space, offering a solution to the incomplete design.
