The Old Post Office

  • bright marble lobby with inlaid marble compass on floor,brass light fixtures and a vintage elevator sign
Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively reused into a beautiful, modern Class A Office building.
  • bright marble lobby with inlaid marble compass on floor,brass light fixtures and a vintage elevator sign

See how historic artifacts and building details have been creatively incorporated into the Old Post Office's design including the conversion of the roof to a 3.5 acre urban rooftop park.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Buildings
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

433 W Van Buren St.; meet inside the Van Buren entrance

It once looked as though the stunning architectural details of Chicago's Old Post Office would be lost to time while the building sat vacant for almost two decades. But the 2.8 million square foot building, completed in 1934, recently went through a monumental renovation and now serves as a modern multi-use event and office space that meets today's need for large, light-filled work spaces.

Old places can become new spaces when a developer with vision collaborates with an award-winning architectural team.

Know before you go:
  • Accessibility: The tour route requires slightly less than a mile of walking and requires use of an escalator or elevator.
Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • The Old Post Office tour is phenomenal! Alice, our guide, filled our heads with wonder with the mail and rail connection, the reasons for the existence of world’s largest post office (mail order businesses) and now the repurpose of this stunning building.
      suzychi10Tour attendee
    • The Old Post Office is an amazing example of how a grand, old building that was abandoned for 20 years can be saved and adaptively transformed into a stunning modern office building that attracts prestigious tenants.
      Lorie WestermanCAC Docent
  • office space with large windows and brown wingback chairs
  • large brown square bar in center of room with glass light fixture overhead
  • lounge with white marble fireplace and tufted brown leather chairs
  • aerial view of building roof with green space and a red track

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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