The Old Post Office Pavilion, built from 1982 to 1899, is a 10-story Romanesque Revival-style building, located in the heart of Washington, DC, between the White House and the U. S. Capitol Building. This historic landmark is prominently located near many of the city’s hotels, museums, national monuments, and other attractions. Notably, the property was restored and reopened as a luxury hotel in late 2016. It stands out as the second-tallest structure in the nation’s capital, following the Washington Monument, and was recognized in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The building’s glass-enclosed elevator on the clock tower’s south side provides visitors access to the stunning observation deck.
Location
Address: 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC (202) 289-4224.
Closest Metro: Federal Triangle or Metro Center stations.
Old Post Office Pavilion Clock Tower Tours
The Clock Tower offers a breathtaking birds-eye view of Washington, DC from its 315-foot observation deck. It houses the Congress Bells, a Bicentennial gift from England that commemorates the enduring friendship between the two nations. National Park Service Rangers give free tours of the tower, providing a sweeping 360-degree view. However, it is important to note that the Old Post Office Tower is closed to the public and is expected to reopen soon. The NPS has operated the tower since 1984 under an arrangement with the General Services Administration, which is currently finalizing details for the reopening.
Old Post Office Pavilion History
1892-99: The building was constructed to house the U.S. Post Office Department Headquarters and the city’s post office.
1928: The building was slated for demolition due to the development of the Federal Triangle south of Pennsylvania Avenue. Consequently, it housed offices for various government agencies for the following 30 years.
1964: Plans to complete the Federal Triangle jeopardized the Old Post Office Building, prompting a robust campaign to save the structure.
1973: The Old Post Office Building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1976: In honor of the nation’s Bicentennial, as a token of friendship, the Ditchley Foundation of Great Britain presented the Congress Bells, a set of English change ringing bells, which were installed in the clock tower.
1977-83: The building underwent remodeling and was reopened with a blend of Federal offices and retail spaces.
2014-16: The Old Post Office Pavilion was redeveloped and reopened as the Trump International Hotel, a 263-room luxury property featuring world-class restaurants, an expansive spa, ballroom and meeting facilities, a library, a museum, and beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens.
The Old Post Office Pavilion remains a prominent feature among Washington DC’s most iconic structures.
