U.S. Naval Air Station, Post Office, 446 South Avenue, Pensacola, Escambia County, FL

Significance: Building No. 223, constructed as a Post Office in 1918, reflects Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola's development from its initial establishment in 1914 as a naval aeronautical station through its expansion during World War II. NAS Pensacola was reclassified as a naval aviation station in 1917. The new mission, World War I mobilization efforts, and rapid expansion combined to bring renewed life to the station. Those in charge of NAS Pensacola converted existing buildings and constructed new ones that directly supported the base's new function. After immediate training needs were met, the station's commanders focused their focus to providing secondary elements in order to make NAS Pensacola a fully functioning naval aviation training facility. Building No. 223's construction reflects the Navy's intention to provide the necessary infrastructure for NAS Pensacola to fulfill its aviation training mission. Built entirely of cast-in-place concrete, the Post Office was constructed to last beyond the normal lifespan of many other contemporaneous buildings at the station. Two decades later, World War II mobilization efforts resulted in an expanded role for NAS Pensacola as a training base. Hangar facilities were expanded and new housing was constructed to support the station's increased civilian and military staff. In response to this population growth and increased demands placed on the Post Office, Building No. 223 was expanded twice- in 1940 and 1943- adding approximately 69' in length to the building. The expanded building continued to serve as NAS Pensacola's Post Office until ca. 1995-96. Building No. 223 was converted to a thrift store approximately one year later and served in that capacity until it was damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. Currently the building is vacant. Building No. 223 serves as a visual reminder of the infrastructure necessary to support and maintain the critical aviation training mission at NAS Pensacola, the birthplace of naval aviation.
Survey number: HABS FL-514
Building/structure dates: 1918 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1940 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1943 Subsequent Work