The Iconic James A. Farley Post Office Building
Located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, the James A. Farley Post Office Building is an iconic landmark and a prominent example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Named after James A. Farley, the 53rd Postmaster General of the United States, the building has been serving as a post office since 1914. Here are five interesting facts about this historic building:
1. Design and Construction
The James A. Farley Post Office Building was designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, led by architect James Stewart. The building’s design was inspired by the Roman Baths of Caracalla and features a grand entrance with a large portico supported by six Corinthian columns. The construction of the building began in 1908 and took six years to complete, with a total cost of around $4 million.
2. Postal Operations
The James A. Farley Post Office Building has been in continuous operation as a post office since its opening on June 13, 1914. At the time of its opening, it was the largest post office in the United States, with over 2,000 employees and handling over 700,000 pieces of mail per day. Today, the building still serves as a post office, with the USPS processing mail and packages for the surrounding area.
3. Renovations and Restorations
Over the years, the James A. Farley Post Office Building has undergone several renovations and restorations. In the 1930s, the building’s interior was renovated to include a new postal station and a large vault for storing valuable items. In the 1980s, the building underwent a major restoration project, which included the repair of the building’s facade and the restoration of its original interior details.
4. Moynihan Train Hall
In 2020, the James A. Farley Post Office Building underwent a major transformation with the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall. The new train hall, named after Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, is a $1.6 billion project that transformed the building’s historic mail sorting room into a state-of-the-art train station. The Moynihan Train Hall serves as the new home for Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road trains, and features a large glass ceiling and a modern waiting area.
5. Landmark Status
The James A. Farley Post Office Building was designated as a New York City landmark in 1966 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. In 1986, the building was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its importance as an example of Beaux-Arts architecture and its role in the development of the United States Postal Service.
📚 Note: The James A. Farley Post Office Building is open to the public for guided tours, which include the building's historic post office and the new Moynihan Train Hall.
In conclusion, the James A. Farley Post Office Building is a remarkable example of Beaux-Arts architecture and a significant part of New York City’s history. With its stunning design, rich history, and continued use as a post office and train station, the building remains an iconic landmark in the heart of Manhattan.
What is the James A. Farley Post Office Building used for today?
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The James A. Farley Post Office Building still serves as a post office and is also home to the Moynihan Train Hall, a state-of-the-art train station serving Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road trains.
Who designed the James A. Farley Post Office Building?
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The James A. Farley Post Office Building was designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, led by architect James Stewart.
Is the James A. Farley Post Office Building open to the public for tours?
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Yes, the James A. Farley Post Office Building is open to the public for guided tours, which include the building’s historic post office and the new Moynihan Train Hall.
