Editor’s note: An updated version of this post can be viewed here.

The BOTD is a no-frills look at interesting structures of all types and from all neighborhoods. There will be old, new, important, forgotten, public, private, good and bad. Whatever strikes our fancy. We hope you enjoy.

Address: 271 Cadman Plaza East, between Washington and Adams
Name: General Post Office, now US Post Office, Downtown Brooklyn Station
Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn
Year Built: 1885-91, extended in 1930-33
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
Architects: Mifflin E. Bell, extension by James Wetmore
Landmarked: Yes

This was one of those grand civic edifices that made late 19th century Brooklyn city fathers proud, a gleaming limestone castle, festooned with eagles, lions and that wonderful tower.

It was a popular subject for early 20th century postcards, along with City (Borough) Hall. It’s a great building that makes going to the post office a more positive experience.

It’s also one of the few old buildings to escape the wrecking ball when Cadman Plaza was built in the 1950’s, even though the Post Office wanted a new facility.

Fortunately, someone saw its potential as an anchor for the Plaza, and as a fine building in its own right. The building was remodeled in 2000 by the firm of Kliment and Halsband.

Downtown Brooklyn -- 271 Cadman Plaza East History
Image via eBay
Downtown Brooklyn -- 271 Cadman Plaza East History
Photo by Beyond My Ken via Wikipedia
Downtown Brooklyn -- 271 Cadman Plaza East History
Photo by Suzanne Spellen
Downtown Brooklyn -- 271 Cadman Plaza East History
Photo by Suzanne Spellen
Downtown Brooklyn -- 271 Cadman Plaza East History
Image via eBay

What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. From a Jan 2010 Brooklyn Eagle article:

    ‘A $100-million façade repair and slate replacement project to fix the roof and terra cotta exterior of the old post office building is the newest project on the two structures.

    Both the slate roof and terra cotta design are original to the historic building, which was designed in the Romanesque Revival style and built from 1885 to 1891.

    “It’s a landmark building,” said district executive Jim Ward about the old post office building. “It’s crying out for repair.”

    Chief Judge Dennis Jacobs of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit announced the exterior restoration project in June 2009.

    Jacobs said that new problems with the building were noticed shortly after renovations were completed and staff returned to the courthouse in September 2005 after a $318 million renovation project was completed, restoring the courthouse to its flawless design and original Victorian colors.

    “I am told that a potential debtor almost received a ‘fresh start’ not envisioned by Congress when a piece of the slate roof dislodged and almost hit him,” Jacobs said to colleagues during that announcement.

    Officials at General Services Administration (GSA), an independent agency of the federal government, couldn’t confirm reports about anything falling and nearly hitting anybody. But they and other sources close to the project confirmed that large segments of terra cotta are “separating and falling,” which is why the scaffolding must be maintained around the building at 217 Cadman Plaza East, at the corner of Johnson Street.

    According to Renee Miscione, public affairs officer for GSA, the exterior restoration project of the old post office building, which will include replacement of windows and window-frames, is expected to be completed in 2013.’

  2. Thank you, MM.

    I love the building, but hate the service. Can’t believe this the scaffolds are still there. Pre-Reno, on the South Side, they used to play 70’s soul on a beat-box. At least the wait was easier then.

  3. Alas, the stone on the facade is in serious trouble, and apparently has to be completely replaced. The GSA people I eavesdropped on mentioned the word “spalding”. Good thing you got your photos when you did; the facade on the east, west and south sides is now mostly shrouded.

    This building was not renovated in 2001. Alas, the project begun in 2000, and supposedly due to be finished in 2001, is still going on. That’s ten years and counting under the knife, as it were. Complicating matters was a former contractor fired and later indicted for general incompetence. Should be finished about the same time Brooklyn Bridge Park is.