The Preston King Post Office project design not only met the strict functional requirements of the Postal Service, it provided the aesthetic sensibilities necessary to gain the full approval of the local citizens as well as the Arlington County Board of Supervisors.
The well massed structure recalls the Art Deco styling of Arlington’s earlier days with its clear anodized aluminum accents, inset glass block patterns, hammered metal fascia trim, and banded flagpole. With the addition of the corner clock tower it provides a distinctly recognizable public building identifying the focal point of the Westover community.
By designing the building to be constructed in two separate phases, the existing post office was able to maintain its full time operation and delivery schedule during the entire process. In an effort to satisfy the larger square footage requirements of the post office our challenge was to also reconfigure the Westover Shopping Center to accommodate the relocation of the popular Westover Bakery and The Forest Inn restaurant within the center.
The community motto of “We take time to care” was the guiding principal for everyone involved in the project and remains inscribed on the new clock tower.
