Post Office Relocating Longtime Branch - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Post Office Relocating Longtime Branch

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SPOKANE, Wash. – Neither rain, nor sleet can stop the United States Postal Service, but apparently gloom of the economy can.  Authorities announced plans to vacate a historic building they cannot afford and no longer need in downtown Spokane.

The USPS will move out of their downtown facility on Riverside Avenue within the next six months, according to Postmaster Karen Fairlee.

The building was built in 1909 and served the downtown area for more than 100 years.  Authorities plan to relocate to an undetermined site "within walking distance," according to Fairlee.

The postal service rents approximately 25,000 square feet in the facility and is looking to consolidate operations down to about 2,000 square feet.

"We're downsizing our square footage," said Fairlee, who added no one will lose their jobs under the current plan.

Postal carriers will be relocated to outlying branches but will still deliver downtown.

"We're trying to get as lean as we can without impacting service," she said. 

Authorities plan to move after the holiday rush.