They’ve tried to close the “Old Tooth.” Wanted to demolish it. Even changed the whole neighborhood around it.

But, the Old Post Office Pavilion remains.

Built in 1898 at 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., the Old Post Office Pavilion is an example of Romanesque Revival style that was already out of style. The U.S. Postal Headquarters until 1934 would have been demolished in 1971 if not for a big push by preservationists.

Today, the top seven floors are federal agencies along with the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation and National Endowment for Arts. There’s a nice food court on the street level that’s a nice price break from restaurants around it and a good place to rest your tired feet while walking around the Federal Triangle.

But, the real attraction is the clock tower. At 315 feet tall, it’s the second highest public vantage sight behind the Washington Monument. Congress Bells in the tower were donated by a British company to commemorate the end of the Revolutionary War. They ring only when Congress is in session.

There is U.S. Park Police security when entering the building, but it’s a few minutes wait at worst. Enter on the left side of the building.