Historic U.S. Postal Buildings Threatened with Sale and Demolition

The U.S. Postal Service is selling 78 post office buildings, including the National Register listed Berkeley California Post Office building. 4,400 nationwide may be sold with many demolished. What can you do to save your favorite post office?

2 minute read

November 16, 2012, 6:00 AM PST

By wadams92101


Jeri Holan, a bay area preservation architect, writes about the threat to the Berkeley California historic post office building, and U.S. Post Office buildings everywhere, from U.S. Government's plans to close and liquidate many of them.

"Across the country, amidst cries of protest, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is studying the idea of selling 4,400 public post offices. 78 are actually for sale today, while a few have already been sold. In large urban areas, the buildings are often located in prime downtown areas. In smaller communities, these post offices can be the heart and soul of a town. In many cases, the buildings are historically significant and anchor business districts, often containing irreplaceable art work which has become an integral part of a City's cultural landscape. . . .

Needless to say, the preservation community is trying to prevent as much loss as possible to these very important buildings. The National Trust has added U.S. Post Offices to their 2012 Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places List and are working to amend federal legislation and stewardship in regard to the buildings. They are also monitoring three very significant land transfers around the country, the most important and highly visible one being the Berkeley Main Post Office. This 1914 Beaux Arts structure, based on the Renaissance design of Brunelleschi's Foundling Hospital in Florence, Italy, anchors Berkeley's historic Civic Center District and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980."

While preserving historic post offices may be an uphill battle, ". . . the National Trust, the California Preservation Foundation, and other interest groups are advocating action in order to preserve these public treasures: get involved and informed, go to public meetings, engage local, state, and federal officials; appeal decisions to sell post offices and initiate the Section 106 process if appeals are denied; and help identify preservation-minded buyers such as local governments and developers because the best reuse for a post office would be a public function."

Thanks to William Adams (UrbDeZine.com)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 in UrbDeZine.com

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bike Parking Utrecht Centraal Station

Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes

Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.

June 11 - Cities Today

A blue and white Sound Transit heavy rail commuter trail with downtown Seattle skyline in background.

Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants

A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.

June 11 - The Seattle Times

San Jose, California city hall with glass dome in front of modern multistory building.

Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter

A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.

June 11 - Associated Press