Local History & Heritage
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

The Transformation of the Functions and Architectural Values of the Medan Post Office as a Cultural Heritage Site in Medan City

Lister Eva Simangunsong (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Rieke Corry Br Tarigan (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Doly Simarmata (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Dea Hutapea (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Oktavina Sijabat (Universitas Negeri Medan)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jul 2026

Abstract

The Medan Post Office, currently known as Pos Bloc Medan, is one of the most prominent Dutch colonial heritage buildings in North Sumatra, possessing significant historical, architectural, and cultural value. Built in 1909 and inaugurated in 1911, the building originally served as a center for postal and communication services during the colonial period. This study aims to examine the historical development of the Medan Post Office, analyze its colonial architectural characteristics, and explore its functional transformation into Pos Bloc Medan as a strategy for cultural heritage preservation in Medan. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through literature review, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model. The findings indicate that the Medan Post Office exhibits a hybrid colonial architectural style that combines European design elements with adaptations to tropical environmental conditions. The study further reveals that transforming the building into Pos Bloc Medan has preserved its historical and architectural authenticity while introducing new functions as a creative public space, community center, and platform for local economic activities. This transformation represents a successful implementation of adaptive reuse, demonstrating that heritage conservation can remain relevant to contemporary urban needs without compromising historical values.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

LHH

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities

Description

Local History & Heritage is a peer-reviewed journal published by Medan Resource Center. This journal publishes articles in the scope of local history and cultural heritage about society, traditions, local wisdom, arts, music, culinary, education, intellectual figures, conflict, myth, spirituality, ...