Princeton Post Office in Palmer Square (click to expand.)
Princeton Council, led by Mayor Liz Lempert has written to local Congressman Rush Holt to express concern over USPS plans to sell the historic Princeton Post Office in Palmer Square, pictured above. USPS, faced with declining revenues, is aiming to downsize to a smaller office.
From the outside, the 1930s building is undoubtedly a beautiful centerpiece to Palmer Square and really ought to be preserved. But what is inside? When did you last pay a visit? Famously/Infamously, the Princeton Post Office features a period mural showing Native Americans cowering before white men in 18th century garb, with Nassau Hall in the background:
The mural inside the Princeton Post Office, Palmer Square. (Click to expand) The words read “America! with Peace and Freedom blest / Pant for Fame and scorn inglorious rest / Science Invites by the voice divine / Exert thyself till every Art be thine”
The inside of the building is pretty spacious, as shown by the photo below, and still has some period fittings reminiscent of the old Dinky station on University Place:
Inside the Princeton Post Office. (Click to expand)
Any potential buyer would also notice that there is a load of space behind the counter, which includes various sorting boxes and postal paraphernalia. Most mail for the former township now passes through the USPS facility in West Windsor.
Behind the postal counter at the Princeton Post Office. (Click to expand)
Do you think the Princeton Post Office could find a new, different use if USPS sold up? How would you feel if a renovation removed the interior features- potentially including the mural? Have your say in using the comment box below!
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I’d like to preserve the building and ensure it remains a place for the community. What has happened since this article was published?
Thanks!
Michael, since this article was published, USPS confirmed that the building is for sale. Apparently there are several parties who are interested in buying it, but their identities have not been disclosed at this point. Palmer Square management are likely to be one of the interested parties.
And is there a community effort presenting an alternative?
Mayor Lempert and Congressman Holt are intervening. The Post Office building is on the State list of historic places, so any buyer would likely be limited in changes they could make to the building. Nobody in the community has suggested an alternative use for the building at this point. You can read more here:
http://www.towntopics.com/wordpress/2013/09/18/princeton-post-office-placed-on-the-market-multiple-bidders-interested/