Old Post Office - Old Post Office information and pictures



The Old Post Office was a brand new, Romanesque style structure in, 1899 when it was completed and designed by architect, Willougby J. Edbrooke, to house the offices of both the United States, as well as the Washington DC post offices. Soon thereafter, both post offices moved their offices to different locations, and the Post Office building became known as the Old Post Office. Unfortunately, for Edbrooke, the Romanesque style began to lose favor, as the Beau-Arts style of architecture became popular in the early twentieth century, and many criticized the design, and called for the building’s demolition.

Historic Landmark - The Old Post Office was all set to be demolished, a mere fifteen years after it was built, when the hard times of the Great Depression forced the City of Washington, to delay those plans due to lack of funds. Over the years, the Old Post Office became run down, and neglected, and in the 1970s, there was talk once again, of demolishing the building. However, it was instead, made a Historic Landmark and later refurbished, in the 1980s, into the Old Post Office Pavilion, to house, retail shops, a food court and office space.

Richardsonian Romanesque - Architect, Willougby J. Edbrooke, admired the Romanesque style of architecture, made popular by architect, Henry Hobson Richardson in the late 1880s, in his design of Boston’s Trinity Church. The Old Post Office is a classic example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, making liberal use of Romanesque, rounded arches, parapets, a tower and stone walls, with brick masonry. At 12 stories high, it was the tallest office building at the time, in Washington DC.

The central, rounded, 375 foot (114 m), clock tower, is the most popular feature of the Old Post Office, with an observation deck affording magnificent views of the city. The Old Post Office Tower also features a collection of the changing Bells of Congress. Guided tours are available to view the tower.

Where is the Old Post Office: 1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW

How to get to the Old Post Office: Subway to Federal Triangle Station (blue, orange lines)

Old Post Office Washington



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