Alright, on your right is the former Yuma Main Post Office, now doing duty as headquarters for the Gowan Company. Back in 1933, this spot was the place to come if you wanted to send a letter, pick up a parcel, or just gossip in line. Designed by Roy Place, it’s got one foot in Beaux Arts elegance and the other in Spanish Colonial Revival-check out those Corinthian columns and the red tile roof. Not exactly a minimalist vibe... but then again, the 1930s wasn’t a minimalist decade, was it?
It cost a hefty sum for the time-several tens of thousands of dollars, which would easily run you over $800,000 today. That’s a lot of stamps. Notice the wrought iron, the old-school window bars, even the molded belt course dividing the two floors-details you only see on buildings meant to impress.
By the mid-90s, the post office moved out and Gowan moved in, saving this local landmark from the wrecking ball.
When you’re ready, let’s make our way south. Southern Pacific Freight Depot is just a 3-minute walk.
