United States Post Office-Main Branch, Federal post office building in University City, Philadelphia, United States.
The United States Post Office-Main Branch is a six-story limestone building in University City that spans a large area across from the Amtrak 30th Street Station. The structure now connects to the Cira Green rooftop park and houses various office spaces, including the headquarters of the Internal Revenue Service.
The building was constructed between 1931 and 1935 in Art Deco style and served as Philadelphia's main postal processing facility until 2008. During those decades, the center handled large volumes of mail services for the entire region.
The building showcases the power of public architecture through its grand size and refined design details from the 1930s, expressing strength and reliability. Its Art Deco exterior with geometric patterns and ornamental touches still defines the character of the surrounding area.
The site is easy to reach from 30th Street and sits next to a major train station, making it simple to get there. The adjoining public rooftop park offers a place to pause and explore the area in a relaxed setting.
In 1939, the post office here launched a groundbreaking experiment using helicopters for airmail delivery, flying multiple times daily between Philadelphia and a nearby airport. This early use of helicopters for commercial logistics was a world first at that time.
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