Welch Celebrates Restoration Of Rutland's Historic Post Office Carrier Annex

Press Release

Today in Rutland, Representative Peter Welch joined city, state, postal and historic preservation leaders in celebrating restoration of the historic Post Office Carrier Annex, also known as the "Cootey Building." As a result of a close collaboration between the City of Rutland, the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, Representative Welch, and the United States Postal Service, the building's original Art Deco façade has been fully restored.

"Thanks to the steadfast determination of Rutland residents, and city and state officials, this historic building once again stands as a beautiful landmark at Rutland's western gateway," said Welch. "Conserving this landmark with its original character and charm intact, is an exciting milestone in the economic revitalization of Rutland's downtown. I am happy to celebrate the Annex's return to the city and applaud the persistence and leadership of all parties, as well as the patience of the community."

Rep. Welch joined with those involved in the restoration project, including Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras, Director of the Rutland Redevelopment Authority Brennan Duffy, Vermont Historic Buildings Specialist Devin Coleman, and U.S. Postal Service District Manager John Godlewski.

"We are very pleased to celebrate the return of the "Cootey Building' to Rutland's interesting and historic streetscape," said Mayor Louras. "The Post Office building façade looks wonderful, and it is a pleasure to welcome residents and visitors to downtown Rutland via the revitalized West Street Gateway. Thank you to all who contributed to the long-awaited completion of this project."

"The recent public and private investment along West Street has been substantial and the completion of the façade renovation at the Rutland Carrier Annex marks an important step in improving the aesthetic character of this important gateway," said Brennan Duffy.

"Just like this great building, the Postal Service plays a central public service role in Rutland and the daily lives of our customers across Vermont," said John Godlewski. "We advance America's history and culture. The Postal Service remains a highly visible presence in every community and connects people to their country in a myriad of ways, most consistently through the releases of our Limited Edition stamps and historic properties like the Rutland Carrier Annex we are honoring today."

Built in 1930, the Carrier Annex's terra cotta façade began to show deterioration after 80 years of exposure to the elements. Rehabilitation of this nationally registered Historic Place included replacing and refurbishing damaged terra cotta material, broken spandrel glass panels, and existing steel frame windows. The Art Deco-style façade, which is made of colorful terra cotta blocks, is the only known example of its kind in Vermont.

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