Museum suggested for historic post office

Thursday, Aug. 16, 2001 | 11:21 a.m.

A consultant preparing a study of potential uses for the historic U.S. Post Office in downtown Las Vegas has encouraged the city to obtain the building and convert it to a museum or arts school.

The building has been declared surplus by the government and fit for public disposal.

JMA Architects is drafting a "reuse analysis" study for the city that will detail the structural condition, historic renovation costs, and the financial feasibility for the city to acquire the building.

Representatives Wednesday presented the City Council with an update on the study, which is halfway completed.

The final report will be presented to the City Centre Development Corp. at 2 p.m. Aug. 29 at City Hall.

John Restrepo of the architectural firm said after analyzing several possible uses for the building, including office or retail, he recommended that the city preserve the post office for an arts school or museum.

"This is an asset the city should try to obtain," he said.

The city has expressed interest in the building next to City Hall for the last two years.