Douglas Main Post Office

Around 1908, a sizeable group of Douglas residents began a long and energetic campaign to secure congressional funding for a U. S. Postal Service building, perceiving it to be a sign of “federal recognition”; in the words of the local press, it was to be an “ornament to the city.” After years of political wrangling, construction finally began in 1914, and was completed in February 1916, for a total reported cost of about $61,000 (nearly one million, in today’s dollars). The resulting building exemplifies the architectural style, Neo-Classicism. Prominent throughout the United States since the Colonial era, the style has been frequently employed in the design of large government buildings. Symmetry, specific proportions, and prescribed ornamentation are some of Neo-Classicism’s more telling hallmarks. Heavily promoted by an influential group of American architects at the end of the 19th century, the Neo-Classical remains influential into the present day. On the current tour, several other buildings evidence strong Neo-Classical influence, including: Ashlar Lodge, Bolln Dry Goods, Douglas City Hall, and the LaBonte Inn. The Post Office building is distinguished by exquisitely detailed brick work and an elegant, copper-clad, hipped roof with broad overhangs. The surface ornamentation is tastefully restrained, and adds interest to the perfectly symmetrical façades. The main entry is approached by two flights of granite steps that, connecting dual landings, are flanked by buttresses of granite and concrete. In the 1950’s, a one-story addition was constructed at the east end of the original building; in its character, proportions, and materials, it was skillfully integrated with the existing structure and thereby maintains the stylistic integrity of the overall complex.