The modern seven-story building with the high security fencing at the western end of this open space is the US Interests Section, first set up by the Carter administration in the late 1970s. Surrounded by hysterical graffiti, the building is the site of some of the worst tit-for-tat finger-wagging on the island. Facing the office front is the Plaza de la Dignidad, built during the Elián González saga to host major in-your-face protests under the nose of the Americans. Concerts, protests and marches – some one-million strong – are still held here.