Arguably the “heart” of Chapel Hill, the Old Post Office is familiar to all who live and visit downtown Chapel Hill. The most prominent exterior feature of the structure is the cupola which graces the top of the building. It had for years been in serious disrepair. No longer. In 2023-24, the town used special funding to repair the cupola to restore it to its
original attractiveness.

 

The U.S. Post Office was designed by Louis A. Simon and constructed in the Colonial-Revival style using New Deal funding in 1938. Centered on the top of the building is a two-story wood framed cupola with an encircling metal railing, Among the improvements made the existing roof structure was reduced to the wood decking. A thermal barrier, insulation, and copper edging. The existing overflow scuppers were enlarged to comply with code and main drain improved. Window lintels were repaired.

 

Existing wood siding, trim, and molding have been replaced with PVC matching the existing shapes and profiles. New kiln dried siding has been installed. The existing iron railing has been repainted. The cupola is listed due to its historically sensitive renovation, materials and prominent location.