Preservation Texas, Inc. has announced that the rehabilitation of the historic post office building in Sulphur Springs, Texas will receive a 2016 Honor Award, which will be presented at a special ceremony at the historic State Theatre on Congress Avenue in Austin as part of the Preservation Texas 2016 Summit.
An excellent example of neoclassical architecture designed under the supervision of federal architect James Knox Taylor, the Sulphur Springs Post Office has always been a source of pride for the community. The building sat vacant for years and was in danger of demolition but city leaders and residents united to save it and give it new life as the Sulphur Springs City Hall.
Exterior work focused on cleaning, repairing and restoring historic features, including the southeast entrance door. The building had already been significantly altered over the years, but the rehabilitation project was able to bring back original features while improving accessibility to this important public space.
Interior work involved the restoration and recreation of historic elements including the opening of previously infilled windows. Years of neglect and casual alterations had undermined the full potential of the building, but this careful rehabilitation preserved the elements that characterize the historic structure.
“The future of the City of Sulphur Springs respects its past,” said Preservation Texas executive director Evan Thompson. “The rehabilitation of the Sulphur Springs Post Office demonstrates the importance of civic leadership in establishing historic preservation as a public priority.”
The project team included the City of Sulphur Springs and ARCHITEXAS.