Houston – At a whopping 500,000 square feet, POST is a multi-purpose space renovated by architecture firm OMA that re-imagines the potential of disused retail destinations. Breathing new life into the long-abandoned Barbara Jordan Post Office – a historic hub for locals – the renovation refurbishes the cultural landmark with all the amenities necessary for contemporary life.
Situated at the vibrant heart of Houston, the renovated space boasts a food hall, rooftop garden, concert hall, recreational areas and co-working spaces. Divided into three atriums, the enormous building is rendered more manageable with the addition of three monumental staircases that lead visitors into different areas in the space.
‘By cutting into the building and drawing people in and through it, we are aiming to fold different programmes into every corner – weddings next to food halls next to concerts next to new ways of working – and to turn Houston to a view that reveals the city's radical ambition,’ explains Jason Long, partner at OMA.
Updating public infrastructure for contemporary use, this project highlights how the Repurposed Retail Market can continue to develop and break new ground.
Strategic opportunity
Multi-purpose spaces are growing in popularity. Companies should consider including new activities centred on community and celebrating an area's history and future growth