M. wrote in mid September: “Is there any way to report on or shame the USPS into cleaning up the front of the post office on Canal and Church?”

When she sent the note, I had already contacted the USPS’ press office for New York City and New Jersey; in the past they have been very responsive. My note went unanswered, but then last week M. sent word that the graffiti is gone. Photo above from Sept. 13; photos below from Oct. 1. So, yay.

The post office is a real target for graffiti — I am guessing it’s a consequence of its location on Canal and the smooth dark expanse of terracotta tiles. (The graffiti was especially bad in 2020.)

It is not in fact a local landmark, however it is on the National Register of Historic Places for its unusual and unique Art Moderne style. The entire facade is terracotta tiles — both the buff color above and the black at the base — and the entrance stairs are black granite. (I never knew that was called a chamfered corner.) The interior walls are also terracotta, with terrazzo floors and a relief panel by the sculptor Wheeler Williams, who sounds like he was an enthusiastic supporter of Joseph McCarthy.

That aside, the building made the historic register for its imposing and dramatic structure and siting, and in its 1988 nomination, the National Park Service called it one of the most important post offices in New York City. It was built between 1937 and 1939 as a WPA project, designed by Alan Balch Mills.

Some recent Nosy Neighbor posts:

• What are pineapples doing on the Westside Highway?
• Why are so many vendors allowed on the Brooklyn Bridge?
•  Is Mr. Exotix allowed to flash all night?
• Just how many lanes are on Greenwich?

• Update: 101 Franklin / 250 Church has sold
• When will the Citi Bike stations be re-installed?
• What’s doing on the Westside Highway?
• Why was the Warren Street path through City Hall Park closed?
• Why are there horses at Duane Park?
• When will the Rockefeller playground open?
• Just how many lanes are on Greenwich?
• What happened to the street lamps on Reade?
• What will replace the footings of the Rector Street Bridge?
• Could this be a piece of the Old Stone Bridge?
• Are dogs allowed in Liberty Park?
• Will the sun come out on the Sun Building clocks?
• What’s this on the side of Pier 40?