Old Post Office of Albuquerque, Albuquerque

In downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the northwest corner of Fourth and Gold, stands the Old Post Office. This building, constructed in 1908 under the supervision of architect James Knox Taylor, is the oldest surviving federal building in Albuquerque. It is built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and was originally home to several federal agencies. However, due to overcrowding, the construction of the Federal Building and the U.S. Courthouse next door was necessary in 1930. The post office continued to operate in the older building until 1972 when it was remodeled to become the Amy Biehl Charter High School.

In 1907, when Albuquerque reached the "first post office" class, plans for the new facility were announced, and construction began. The area's rapid growth quickly made the building inadequate to meet the needs of the Post Office, courts, and other tenants. An addition was built in 1932, and the larger Federal Building was constructed in 1930. The building has undergone numerous remodels and space changes to accommodate various tenants over the years.

The exterior of the original 1908 building and the 1932 addition are visible on the east, south, and west elevations. The north elevation of the 1908 building is visible as it fronts a parking area. While the building appears to be a single structure, there are clear indications of where the 1932 addition begins. Both period exteriors consist of a limestone base, a stucco finish painted brown up to the eaves, an exposed soffit with massive decorative rafter ends, and a red clay tile roof.

The Old Post Office is an important historic landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It is part of a complex of Albuquerque federal buildings, including the National Register-listed U.S. Courthouse, the former Federal Building on Gold Ave SW, and the Chavez Federal Building.