If you’re into mansard roofs and colonnades, the 1878 federal post office building that once stood at the southern end of City Hall Park was for you.
New Yorkers generally hated it though. As soon as it opened, it was called “Mullet’s Monstrosity” after architect Alfred B. Mullet.
An “architectural eyesore” chimed in the New York Times.
Plans to tear it down were in the works since 1920. But it stood until 1938, unloved, in the shadow of the heralded Woolworth Building across the street.
This postcard, from 1911, shows the building, plus people who look like they’re waiting for the trolley.
The flag at the top and flags in the window are clues that it must be a holiday. Fourth of July, judging by the few umbrellas in the image?
Tags: City Hall Park history, City Hall post office, Downtown New York City, Mullet's Monstrosity, New York City 1911, third avenue trolley, Victorian architecture in New York City
July 31, 2010 at 6:39 pm |
gorgeous building
never understood why it was hated so much…seemed to blend in with the style of the times, no?
July 31, 2010 at 7:01 pm |
Yeah, I think it’s great. But it never got any love.
July 31, 2010 at 8:50 pm |
Too many great buildings torn down for the wrong reasons.
August 1, 2010 at 11:13 am |
That’s cool, a wedding cake building. No wonder it had to go.
August 1, 2010 at 2:17 pm |
So much detail and character. What would they think of the glass moniliths today?