A New Kind of Post Office Rises in New Berlin

To the surprise of many, the US Postal Service turned a profit in 1995 due, at least in part, to organizational changes including new design standards for building projects. Among its aggregation of 34,000-plus facilities are some 90 new outlets called "Postal Service Stores," one of which was recently completed by Beyer Construction in New Berlin. It's the third such facility in the state.

The new building features four distinct modules: a Postal Store™, Rent-A-Box™, Quick Posf™ and the usual full service counter.

With an emphasis on convenience and efficiency, stamps in a wide variety of denominations and designs are on open display along with mailing and packing supplies. As one official explained, "Product security was always the utmost concern, but it limited sales because customers had to ask for the items they wanted." Access to the lobby, self-serve facilities and postal boxes is available seven days a week and up to 18 hours per day.

The 23,000 square foot $2.1 million facility is approximately twice the size of the building it replaces. While parking and traffic congestion were major problems at the former facility, the new location provides improved access and traffic flow, and larger parking areas.