United States Post Office

In the heart of Saratoga Springs, New York, stands a testament to early 20th-century architecture and civic pride: the United States Post Office. This neoclassical gem, designed by the esteemed James Knox Taylor, has been serving the community since its inception and continues to be a vital part of the city's bustling downtown area.

The Architectural Marvel

The United States Post Office in Saratoga Springs is more than just a place to send and receive mail; it is an architectural marvel. The building is set back slightly from Broadway, allowing a small garden and several tall trees to provide a picturesque foreground. Its yellow brick facade, accented with marble and limestone, stands on a sturdy granite base, giving it a dignified and robust appearance.

The structure is a single-story, flat-roofed building with a unique three-by-four-bay design. One of the most striking features is the series of arched windows, each topped with a decorative keystone and framed by marble Doric columns. These windows are not just for show; they flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Grand Entrance

The entrance of the post office is nothing short of grand. A semi-circular arch, supported by polished marble columns, frames the main door. Above the door, a bronze tablet with windows on the upper part adds to the building's neoclassical charm. Granite steps, complete with a central bronze handrail, lead up to the original heavy bronze doors, which have been modernized with aluminum for functional purposes. The entrance is further adorned with a meander ornament and the inscription POST OFFICE, making it clear that this is a place of importance.

Interior Splendor

Step inside, and you'll find yourself in a lobby that exudes historical elegance. The plastered ceiling, standing at 4.3 meters high, features a central leaded glass skylight that curves to match the angle of the back wall. The walls are lined with recessed arches, each topped with a decorative cornice. The entrance arch mirrors this design, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the space.

The lobby also boasts two murals by Guy Pène du Bois, titled Saratoga in the Racing Season. These murals, added in the 1930s, capture the essence of the local horse racing culture, adding a touch of local flavor to the federal building. The floor is carpeted, but the marble baseboard and green marble wainscoting around the lobby add a touch of luxury. A three-meter-high partition with postal service windows divides the space, offering both functionality and a glimpse into the building's past.

A Historical Journey

The history of the Saratoga Springs Post Office is as rich as its architecture. The city has had a post office since 1802, when its founder, Gideon Putnam, opened the first vacation hotel in the area. The first two post offices were housed in local merchant shops, and later, in a commercial building on Broadway. The current site was purchased in the early 20th century for nearly $125,000, a significant sum at the time.

Designed by James Knox Taylor, the building reflects the neoclassical style that he championed for public buildings, embodying the classical ideals that inspired the Founding Fathers of the United States. The post office shares its arched window design with two other post offices in New York State, but its Renaissance-inspired columns and ornaments make it unique. These features also harmonize with the other historic buildings at the intersection, including the Italianate-style City Hall and the Beaux-Arts Adirondack Trust Company building.

Modern Touches

Over the years, the post office has undergone several modifications to keep up with the times. The loading dock was added in 1961, and the lobby was modernized in 1974. The exterior lighting has also been updated. Despite these changes, the building retains much of its original charm and continues to serve as a vital part of the community.

A Symbol of Civic Pride

The United States Post Office in Saratoga Springs is more than just a functional building; it is a symbol of civic pride and historical significance. Its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and its status as a contributing property of the Broadway Historic District since 1978 are testaments to its enduring value.

Visitors to Saratoga Springs should not miss the opportunity to admire this architectural gem. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful buildings, the United States Post Office in Saratoga Springs offers a glimpse into the past while continuing to serve the community in the present.