Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the former U.S. Post Office is located at 89 Appleton Street. Built by the federal government as Lowell’s Post Office in 1893, this building is one of many in Lowell to have served as a post office through the years. It is one of three imposing Richardsonian Romanesque structures built in Lowell during the early 1890’s, including City Hall (375 Merrimack Street; 1893) and the Pollard Memorial Library (401 Merrimack Street; 1893).
Richardsonian Romanesque was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for public and institutional buildings. Named for influential Boston architect H.H. Richardson, other architects emulated his designs after his death in 1886. This building is typical of the Richardsonian Romanesque style with rough-faced, square stonework while the wide, rounded arches and deeply recessed door and window openings are also characteristic of the style.