The Post Office

The Littleton Post Office, built in 1939 as a child of the Great Depression Public Works Project and moved to its current location in 1962, this building has remained in service since its inception. Something that stands out about this location is despite its age and historical significance, the building has still not been classified as a historical landmark in the City of Littleton. According to the City of Littleton, for a building to be classified as a historical landmark within the Littleton Historical District, it must reside in the blocks immediately surrounding Main Street. Due to the post office's location just south of Main Street, the building is not eligible to be classified within the Littleton Historical District. "Unless the Historical District expands their borders, the post office cannot be filed as a landmark" stated Kelli Narde, Littleton Communications Director. There is, however, one way the building can still be registered, as an independent historical landmark. This status can only be achieved through the land owner initiating the process and the City of Littleton approving it via a city council. As an independent landmark, the building would not receive any funding for restoration work, but it would be listed as historical in Littleton's records. Nonetheless, this has not deterred the dedicated efforts by current employee Mark (pictured above) from trying.  Along with working to have the building classified Mark also takes time out of his day to care for the building. Without the additional funds needed from the City of Littleton, the building has begun to show signs of decay. Last week the fence at the rear of the building had come loose and using his own resources Mark fixed the damage at no charge. I asked Mark why he spends his time and money on the building, his response was, "I have lived here for over a decade now and to have this building that everyone walks past look terrible just isn't right". When asked to comment on the state of the Littleton post office, USPS Colorado spokesman David Rupert acknowledged the building's desperate need for a facelift, "We know it needs work and an update will be coming shortly. USPS recognizes the historic significance of the building and promises to work closely with the City of Littleton to make sure the building is cared for." David also cited lead based paints and intricate custom woodwork on the exterior as the primary focus during their renovation to return the building to its original condition. Working through a third party contractor, USPS hopes to see the location as once again the visual focal point of mail in downtown Littleton. In addition to an upcoming facelift, David assured me that despite the national decrease in mail being sent, the Littleton location will remain "for a long time to come."