Main Street Post Office

The Ann Arbor Post Office is significant as a fine example of Neo-Classical Revival architecture; the building also offers a useful case study of an addition which was carefully designed to preserve the original structure's architectural style and treatment. The 1909 portion of the present structure was the ninth building to house Ann Arbor's postal service. Although Congress authorized funds to build the Post Office in 1903, money for actual construction was not appropriated until 1906. Congressman Charles E. Townsend, a prominent area resident played a key role in obtaining final Congressional approval for funding. Completed in 1909, this edifice was the first architecturally significant federal building in Ann Arbor. Builders C. Hoertz and Son of Grand Rapids constructed the original building. The 1932-33 addition, carefully designed to harmonize with the stylistic features of the first building, was handled by the Rice Construction Company of Chicago, Illinois. Styles of Neo-Classical derivation were popular in public buildings of this period, and the Ann Arbor Post Office is the city's only remaining governmental structure of this genre. The Post Office was recently vacated and the city of Ann Arbor is currently negotiating with the United States Postal Service for transfer of the property. Following acquisition, the city hopes to find a suitable adaptive use for the handsome edifice.

Situated in downtown Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Main Street Post Office is a one story rectangular building executed in smooth cut gray limestone. Divided into seven linteled bays, the principal west facade displays a quiet and balanced architectural treatment which is characteristic of the Second Renaissance Revival Style. The large rectangular windows of the central block feature sculpted garland architraves, whereas the flanking windows and those on the north facade possess flat enframements with geometric decoration. Vitruvian scrolls ornament the frieze above the windows with flat enframements, and a balustrade with garland decor rises above the cornice line of the central mass. The interior has retained many original finishings such as marble wainscoting and terrazzo floors in the lobby, ornate plaster moldings on the sixteen foot ceilings, and well preserved wood trim. The original large glass skylights continue to illuminate the mail sorting room, though that open space has been subdivided by frame partitions. Initially, the Post Office featured a five bay facade. Although a small brick addition was built in 1926 to handle parcel post, the most significant alterations took place in 1932 when a larger south addition was constructed. This addition is of particular note as the designing architect took great care to maintain the style and finish of the original structure. The main door location was moved one bay south to retain the symmetrical appearance of the front facade, and part of the original building was disassembled and then reconstructed on the new section in order to make the addition architecturally compatible with the original building. Because of subsequent weathering, the stone now appears to have been laid all at one time. Despite some roof and skylight leakage, the Post Office remains in good overall condition and is a prominent feature of downtown Ann Arbor.