Downtown Fort Worth Post Office Closer to Moving

USPS taking public comment on what historic building could be turned into.

Fort Worth's downtown post office be on the move. The postal service may leave its historic building on West Lancaster Avenue and it's asking the public for input on the future of the building if that happens.

"Oh yeah, it's gorgeous," said Phillip Arthur, of Fort Worth, about the post office.

From the outside, with it's lion sculptures, to the inside and it's marble floors, columns and intricate details, the downtown post office is arguably a work of art.

"It is beautiful. You don't get workmanship like this any more," said Bill Schwennsen, of Fort Worth.

It was built during the Hoover administration in 1931, but now it's time to relocate.

"We're just looking at having more efficient operation in light of the current economic situation with the postal service," said Sam Bolen, USPS spokesperson. "We're looking at facilities all across the country."

Only 20 percent of the facility is currently being used. The first step in moving out of the Texas landmark is to get public input about what it could be if the postal service does leave.

"This way we're bringing the community along with the process and that's probably the best way to do business," Bolen said.

Over the years it's regularly been discussed as a place where city business could be done. Four years ago a $200,000 study was commissioned to look at that option. But Mayor Betsy Price has said it would only work if it was a good financial investment.

"Whether that's feasible at a cost the taxpayers are willing to bear, that's a big factor," said Schwennsen.

Whatever the future is, it's time to start throwing out ideas.

"It would be nice to have it a museum, postal museum of Texas," Arthur said.

This is a two step process, first the postal service has to get permission to move locations and determine where a new post office will be in the 76102 postal code. If that happens, then they'll decide on exactly what they'll do with this historic building.

To offer public input, you can send your comments to the following person and address: 

Sandra A. Rybicki, Real Estate Specialist
US Postal Service
Southern Facilities Service Office
P.O. Box 667180
Dallas, TX  75266-7180
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