U.S. Post Office - Federal Building, Sarasota

911±¬ÁÏÍø

U.S. Post Office - Federal Building, Sarasota

U.S. Post Office - Federal Building, Sarasota

The U.S. Post Office – Federal Building is one of the city’s architectural treasures and a proud symbol of civic refinement. Completed in 1934 during the Great Depression, the structure was built under the Works Progress Administration and designed by architects George Albree Freeman and Louis A. Simon. It marked Freeman’s final monumental project and reflected the federal government’s goal of creating enduring public buildings that embodied stability and confidence. On March 22, 1984, the building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places for its outstanding craftsmanship and architectural merit.

The building’s design exemplifies the Neoclassical Revival style, distinguished by its stylized ornamentation and academic precision. The west façade features a graceful colonnade with Corinthian capitals, their acanthus leaves carved with exceptional detail. Traditional Neoclassical motifs such as string courses, modillioned entablatures, and columns in antis are faithfully executed, while certain elements—like the implied pediment above the nine-bay loggia—offer a modern interpretation of classical form. Even the metal grilles, though made from contemporary materials, retain the structure’s classical elegance, blending innovation with tradition.

Inside, visitors encounter a space that mirrors the artistry of its exterior. The lobby showcases terrazzo floors, brass fixtures, and marble detailing that speak to the craftsmanship of the 1930s. Beyond its architectural beauty, the Federal Building reflects Sarasota’s evolution from a small coastal resort into a flourishing civic and cultural centre.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sarasota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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U.S. Post Office - Federal Building on Map

Sight Name: U.S. Post Office - Federal Building
Sight Location: Sarasota, USA (See walking tours in Sarasota)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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