This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Interior Architecture Committee and Historic Resources Committee .
-------------------------------------------
The article in the New York Times (see link below,) raises an issue about the fate of the US Postal Service that is not obvious in the political discussions happening lately.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/08/arts/design/preservationists-fight-postal-service-over-sales.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw We often lose sight of small treasures like the post offices in our neighborhoods. In earlier days, these buildings were designed with care, and whose interiors of marble, wood and bronze were further embellished with murals celebrating the history of their locales. Along with libraries, town halls, banks and railroad stations, these structures defined the civic sphere of a community. Unlike many local libraries however, which have embraced technology and flourished in recent years, the relevance of the post office in our connected society has flagged. I think it's ironic that the old post office on Prince Street in SoHo became the first Apple Store to open in New York. While the sale to private entities is arguably preferable to demolition, adaptive re-use for a truly public purpose would be ideal. Ideas anyone?
-------------------------------------------
Nathan Hoyt FAIA
Principal
Nathan Hoyt FAIA, Architect
Nyack NY
-------------------------------------------