Eight mid-century post offices from small towns and exurbs across the state
By Josh Lipnik
Post offices are anchors of a community, and also often some of the most architecturally interesting structures around, especially in smaller towns. These eight post offices were all built in the period after World War II in rural towns or at the exurban fringe of Michigan’s larger cities. In many cases they were the town’s first purpose-built post office, and often its first and only building in a modernist style.
While the federal government offered a set of standard floor plans and mechanical systems, communities were given a great deal of leeway with facade materials and details—imbuing a degree of local character to what would have otherwise been a homogenized building type.
Hersey, Michigan
102 South Main Street
Armada, Michigan
74260 Burk Street
Holly, Michigan
108 West Maple Street
Onaway, Michigan
20675 State Street
Tekonsha, Michigan
119 North Walnut Street
Reed City, Michigan
232 West Upton Avenue
Sebewaing, Michigan
49 North Center Street
Almont, Michigan
116 North Main Street â–
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Josh Lipnik is a photographer and independent researcher focused on architecture and design of the American Midwest. You can follow his architecture travels @JoshLipnik on Twitter or subscribe at patreon.com/midwestmodern.
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