Berkeley Main Post Office

photo by: Melita Juresa-McDonald

11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Historic Post Office Buildings

  • Location: Nationwide, USA

The U.S. Postal Service is facing an annual loss of as much as $18.2 billion, due in large part to a Congressional mandate to pre-fund their retiree health benefits. In an attempt to achieve solvency, the U.S. Postal Service is considering a number of options, including closing or selling off post offices in those locations where the real estate is most valuable. Ideally, every post office would be able to retain the postal functions that are so important to local residents, but there are many viable reuse options for these prominent historic buildings. For those buildings that must be sold and put to new uses, the U.S. Postal Service needs to define and implement a clear process that allows for full public participation, protects the historic buildings in its inventory, and prioritizes reuse plans that allow these buildings to remain active and accessible to the public.

Local post office buildings have traditionally played an essential role in the lives of millions of Americans. Many are architecturally distinctive, prominently located, and cherished as civic icons in communities across the country. Unless the U.S. Postal Service establishes a clear, consistent process that follows federal preservation law when considering disposal of these buildings, a significant part of the nation’s architectural heritage will be at risk.

Campaign Goals

  • Work directly with the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies to develop a consistent, public process that follows established federal preservation law and protects those historic post office buildings identified for closure or sale
  • Promote and support successful advocacy campaigns for saving post offices around the country
  • Identify and encourage sensitive and appropriate reuses for post office buildings
  • Support policy and legal solutions that encourage the preservation and reuse of post offices nationwide

Opportunity

Work with the U.S. Postal Service and other agencies to save historic post office buildings across the country. Identify new uses for these important buildings so they can continue to play a vital role in their communities.

Support our work to save places that matter.

Donate

Learn more about the USPS at the National Postal Museum

Plan Your Visit

Share your stories from Route 66! Whether a quirky roadside attraction, a treasured business, or a piece of family history, we are looking for your stories from this iconic highway.

Share Your Story