Hollister Construction Services is currently transforming the former and semi-vacant 175,000 s/f Bronx General Post Office at 558 Grand Concourse at East 149th Street in The Bronx.
The property is being transformed with shops and marketplace retail on the ground floor, retail space and a downsized post office on the main floor and commercial office space on the second and penthouse floors.
In addition, the project will include a new rooftop space for a restaurant.
Scheduled for a grand opening in 2017, the historic building will be known as the Bronx Post Place.
Hollister has been working closely with developer, YoungWoo & Associates (YWA), and project architect, Studio V Architecture, to transform the space. “Being engaged in a project from the very start is extremely beneficial to the process, enabling us to help achieve success,” said Brendan Murray, LEED AP, vice president of construction at Hollister.
“On the Bronx Post Place project we were able to assess the building and help determine the best use of existing systems. Our extensive knowledge of the building also allowed us to suggest significant value-engineering options that led to efficiencies in design while streamlining the overall project schedule.”
The building’s interior lobby is also being renewed. The lobby, containing a series of 13 original Depression-era mural panels, is being restored and brought back to its former splendor.
The murals are being cleaned and damaged and aging parts are being re-touched. The lobby will also undergo minor enhancements, such as the opening of some of the walls to provide access to the marketplace.
“The rebirth of 558 Grand Concourse will bring the entire community together. We understand how important this project is to the Southern Bronx community, and we are ensuring the beautiful architectural elements are retained as the building is transformed into a facility for 21st century use,” said Brandon Alviano, project manager at Hollister.
Opened in 1937, after two years of construction, the Bronx General Post Office, formerly known as the Bronx Central Annex, was landmarked in 1976 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
YoungWoo & Associates purchased the property in mid-2014.
