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Friday Fotos: The Spire on the Old Post Office Building

By
Real Estate Agent with RLAH@Properties AB95346

The Old Post Office Pavillion stands on the corner of 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown DC.  When it opened in 1899, the New York Times critqued it as  "a cross between a cathedral and a cotton mill", and almost immediately there were cries to tear it down.  About the time I moved to Washington, in the early 1970's, this talk got quite serious to the point that the city actually issued demolition permits.  There  were almost daily protests, with fans of this historic building carrying "DON'T TEAR IT DOWN" placards. 

Instead of the wrecking ball, the Old Post Office got a facelift and a new lease on life. And now it's in the news again, with Donald Trump's plans to convert the old office building into a luxury hotel.  Me?  I'd rather see it go condo!

And whether you live here or are visiting, it's worth grabbing your favorite camera and heading down to check the views.  And it would be prudent to do it soon, before the renovations begin. 

I snapped the photo at the top of the page while stuck in traffic - and no, I wasn't driving!  All I could see was the tip of the tower, but somehow I liked the final result.  The shot to the right isn't mine - it's from Wikopedia and gives you an idea of the overall size of the building. 

If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC metropolitan area, I can help.  I am licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia.   Please email me at Housepat@mac.com or call 202-549-5167. 

 

Comments (12)

Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Pat -- I like your idea/suggestion that the Old Post Office Building go condo --- wow - talk about location!

Jun 13, 2013 11:09 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I once did a commercial inspection in one of the stores in the mall under that tower!  What a great place!

Jun 13, 2013 11:11 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I can just picture the words TRUMP in giant letters along side the tower. .

Donald, you are fired!

No hotel for you!

Jun 13, 2013 11:25 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Pat, What a gorgeous example of early architecture! It would be a shame to change it's grandeur.

Jun 14, 2013 12:18 AM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

You are like me Pat.. always with camera in hand as traffic can find the perfect opportunity to snap another one.

Jun 14, 2013 12:35 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Pat, I really liked your photo!! Good for you for that quick snap. And the history and localism story is wonderful!!! I love historical buildings and am always sad when they have to come down for whatever reason.

Jun 14, 2013 12:41 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

That is a beautiful shot....I love old buildings and architecture like this...thanks for sharing!

Jun 14, 2013 01:09 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
Pat, Love the perspective and the angle of that shot, happy. Friday. A
Jun 14, 2013 01:25 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

Interesting bit of history that only a local expert would know; nice shot too.

Jun 14, 2013 01:56 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I love it, and don't understand why people would want it taken down.  It's got character.  

Jun 14, 2013 02:30 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

It is a beautiful old building. It would make a great hotel or condo. ANYTHING besides the demolition ball! 

Jun 14, 2013 08:26 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

There was glorious permanence built into our earlier structures that we do not see today.  Everything seems to have a throw it up and tear it down shelf life, if it has been built in the past 50 years.  That truly is a remarkable post office, Patricia!

Jun 14, 2013 01:13 PM