Bronx Post Office ca. 1954

In the 1930's most Federal buildings were classical in a derivation of Colonial Revival. A few of the best buildings, such as the Folger Library in Washington and the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia have a blending of classical proportions with original details which can be called a classical essence and which Paul Cret tried to teach his students.

The post office lobby is on the front of the ground floor, but remains rather simple, except for murals created by Ben Shahn. The exterior is of great beauty, however. The gray brick with the white marble trim gives an elegance to the simple rhythmic facade with the seven high arched openings, four windows and three with doors in the lower parts and glass above. The ornamentation, lettering, and sculpture relieve the walls of monotony.