United States Post Office

In the bustling heart of downtown Yonkers, New York, stands a testament to architectural elegance and historical significance—the United States Post Office. This majestic building, a blend of Classical Revival and hints of Art Deco, is not just a functional space but a piece of living history, proudly serving the community since its completion in the late 1920s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this post office is more than just a place to send and receive mail; it’s a destination that captures the essence of Yonkers' rich past and vibrant present.

The Architectural Grandeur

As you stroll down Main Street, the post office commands attention with its stately presence. Designed by the Treasury Department's Office of the Supervising Architect under James A. Wetmore, this two-story stone building occupies an entire city block, bordered by Main Street, Buena Vista Avenue, Nepperhan Street, and Market Place. The structure’s buff limestone façade is adorned with elegant Corinthian pilasters and a denticulated cornice that culminates in a balustraded parapet, offering a visual treat to architecture enthusiasts.

The building’s exterior is a harmonious blend of symmetry and detail. The south and west facades feature centrally located entrances, each flanked by original bronze lampposts that harken back to a bygone era. The entrances themselves are a marvel, with bronze double doors set within bays defined by fluted pilasters and topped with intricate geometric and foliate designs. Such attention to detail is a hallmark of the Classical Revival style, which sought to convey the dignity and permanence of government institutions.

Step Inside History

Entering the post office is like stepping into a time capsule. The bronze vestibules lead to an L-shaped lobby that retains its original terrazzo floors and buff marble wainscoting. The flat marble Corinthian pilasters rise majestically to a coffered plaster ceiling, where low-relief decorations add to the space’s grandeur. Oak bulletin boards framed by marble and original oak customer tables offer glimpses into the post office's storied past.

One of the interior’s highlights is the open L-shaped staircase, with its marble steps and brass banister, leading up to the second floor. Here, the office spaces and swing room provide a contrast to the bustling workroom below, where lockboxes and teller windows delineate the areas dedicated to the postal service’s operations.

A Storied Past

The history of the Yonkers Post Office is as rich as its architectural details. Yonkers began receiving mail shortly after the American Revolution, with the first official post office established in 1797. The city’s rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fueled by industrialization and suburban development, necessitated a larger, more centrally located post office. The site was personally chosen by Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo, a testament to its strategic importance near both the railroad and trolley lines.

Completed in 1927, the post office was larger than most contemporaneous postal buildings, reflecting Yonkers’ burgeoning population. Its design, credited to James A. Wetmore, embodies the Classical Revival style with a nod to the emerging Art Deco movement, a precursor to later architectural trends seen in other New York post offices.

Exploring the Surroundings

The post office is ideally situated for exploration. Just beyond the railroad tracks lies the Hudson River, offering picturesque views and a reminder of Yonkers’ historical connection to waterborne trade and transportation. To the north, the Beaux-Arts main building of the Yonkers train station stands as a complementary architectural gem. The surrounding area is a vibrant mix of historic and modern buildings, from the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site to the remodeled Yonkers Trolley Barn.

Visitors can also enjoy the nearby small park and bustling commercial district, where late 19th and early 20th-century buildings house shops and eateries that cater to locals and tourists alike. The proximity of the city’s new library, housed in former Otis Elevator Company buildings, adds to the area’s cultural allure.

A Living Landmark

Today, the Yonkers Post Office continues to serve as a vital community hub, bridging the past and present. While a few modifications have been made over the years, such as updates to the loading dock area, the building remains largely intact, preserving its historical and architectural integrity. It stands as a proud symbol of Yonkers’ resilience and growth, a place where history is not just remembered but actively lived.

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the United States Post Office in Yonkers offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and its ongoing story. It’s a destination that invites you to explore, discover, and appreciate the rich tapestry of history woven into its very walls.