United States Post Office

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural elegance of the United States Post Office in Peekskill, New York. Nestled on South Street, this charming brick building stands as a testament to the Colonial Revival style, echoing the grandeur of a bygone era. Serving the 10566 ZIP Code, which encompasses the city of Peekskill and parts of the town of Cortlandt, this post office is more than just a place to send and receive mail—it's a piece of living history.

The Architectural Marvel

The Peekskill Post Office is a one-story rectangular building, gracefully adorned with brick laid in English bond, limestone, and wood trim. Its south-facing facade features a striking central pavilion with three semicircular wood-arched windows, each crowned with keystones and rectangular blocks at the springlines. These tripartite windows, unified by a fanlike recessed tympanum with radiating fluting, are reminiscent of the English Neoclassical architecture popularized by Robert Adam.

As you approach, you'll notice the balustrades and cast iron fences around the window wells, allowing light to filter into the basement. Above the arches, raised metal letters proudly spell out UNITED STATES POST OFFICE, set against a limestone frieze with geometric decoration. The roofline is marked by a plain cornice, topped with a limestone-coped brick parapet, interrupted by stone balustrades above each of the three central bays, adding to the building's stately appearance.

A Glimpse Inside

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a lobby that exudes old-world charm. The marble wainscoting and high plaster ceilings with a deep cornice create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The windows, framed by Adamesque carved wood surrounds, offer a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that went into the building's design. A Palladian window graces the inside wall, adding to the sense of grandeur.

The entrance to the postmaster's office is a work of art in itself, featuring two narrow stop-fluted pilasters supporting blocks with carved urns and a swagged frieze. This attention to detail reflects the building's historical significance and the pride taken in its construction.

A Storied Past

The site of the Peekskill Post Office has a rich history dating back to 1911 when it was first used for postal services. Three years earlier, Congress had authorized the purchase of the lot to facilitate a move from the previous location a few blocks away. An existing Victorian house was modified and renovated under the plans of James Knox Taylor, marking the only time prior to World War II that the Treasury Department renovated an existing structure for postal use rather than building a new one.

In 1928, the current structure was authorized and reauthorized again in 1930. The second time, $165,000 (equivalent to $3.01 million in contemporary dollars) was appropriated for construction as an early response to the Great Depression. The building was begun later that year and opened in 1931, designed by the Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore, with Louis A. Simon likely contributing to its design.

Distinctive Features

The Peekskill Post Office stands out for its use of distinctly neoclassical Adam features, particularly the English-bond brickwork and the unique windows. These features were not commonly used on other post offices in New York until the New Deal building programs several years later. The building's design is a free interpretation of the Colonial Revival style, which had been standard for most new post offices since 1915.

In 1967, a large wing was added to the north and west sides of the building. While this addition was intended to be architecturally sympathetic, it is not considered contributing to the National Register of Historic Places listing due to its relatively recent construction.

Exploring the Surroundings

Located on the north side of South Street, the Peekskill Post Office occupies a prominent position on the southeast corner of a large, triangular lot. The ground slopes down to the north, providing a picturesque setting. Across the street, you'll find the Peekskill Presbyterian Church and an assortment of commercial and residential buildings, adding to the area's charm. A row of mature oak trees screens the front of the building, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-preserved buildings, the United States Post Office in Peekskill is a must-visit. Its rich history, distinctive architectural features, and charming surroundings make it a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the past while continuing to serve the community in the present.