Yonkers Post Office

The current Yonkers Post Office was established in 1927 and is the most recent contribution to a postal service system that dates back to the late 18^th century. Mail couriers began servicing the residents of Yonkers soon after the end of the American Revolution. Once the former Albany Post Road was completed, mail was then delivered to Philipse Manor Hall. By 1788, the postal service was operated from the country store of Yonkers’ first postmaster, Alpheus Pierson. As of today, the Yonkers postal system services over 102,000 delivery addresses in Yonkers, Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Eastchester, and Hastings-on-Hudson.

Standing at two stories high, the Yonkers Post Office is an example of Classical Revival style architecture. It is composed of a steel frame with stone facades, a flat roof, and geometric designs on the lintel surrounding the entrance. The interior features an L-shaped lobby with terrazzo floors and marble wainscotting. There are also offices, a workroom, a mailroom, and teller windows dispersed throughout the building. It is renowned for its surviving fixtures and furnishings, which are still prominent assets of the post office to this day.

The Yonkers Post Office was designed and constructed while Louis A. Simon held the position of Superintendent of Architects. Its inception came during a period of time when the government’s building strategies highlighted economy, utility, and standardization of design. During Simon’s tenure, post office designs became simpler and more standardized, with most of his New York State buildings fitting the Classical Revival style.

This post office is typical of Classical Revival architecture because of its symmetrical structure, use of fine materials, and application of classical ornamentation. However, the building’s immense size was unique for this style and period, exemplifying how influential the city of Yonkers was as an urban center. It has a sprawling design, flat surfaces, repetitive details, and Corinthian pilasters that signifies the government’s association with building and the emphasis of classicism in the early 20^th century federal architecture.

1. Garcia, Ernie. “Yonkers Post Office Celebrates 222 Years of Service.” The Journal News. Rockland/Westchester Journal News, May 17, 2018. https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/yonkers/2018/05/17/onkers-post-office-celebrates-222-years-service/616667002/.  
2. Griffin, Ernest F. Westchester County and Its People, A Record. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc., 1946.
3. National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records. “New York MPS US Post Office – Yonkers,” May 11, 1989. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75315481.