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U.S. Post Office

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1909–1910, James Knox Taylor, Supervising Architect of the U.S. Treasury. 324 Commercial Ave.
  • (Photograph by Mark Mones)
  • (Virginia Department of Historic Resources)
  • (Photograph by Mark Mones)
  • (Photograph by Mark Mones)
  • (Photograph by Mark Mones)

Although typical of early-twentieth-century federal post offices, this building serves as one of the city's most refined examples of Beaux-Arts Classical design. A projecting three-bay central pavilion, octagonal lantern, and ceramic tile hipped roof offset the otherwise horizontal massing. Exterior decorative features include limestone belt courses, jack arches, keystones, a projecting limestone parapeted cornice, and semicircular transoms over the door and windows of the main block. The lobby area continues the classical theme with a vaulted ceiling and coupled marble pilasters.

Writing Credits

Author: 
Anne Carter Lee

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