In 1873 plans were prepared by Department of Public Works' architect Alfred T. Snow for the erection of a more substantial post office building.

Ground floor changes included reorientation of the main post office after removing the telephones and associated equipment from the former loggia space.

The imposing town hall complex is located nearby; the post office is otherwise in a streetscape comprising mainly nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial development.

[1] The substantial building is a double-storey Victorian Italianate palazzo composition of rendered brick construction on a simple rectangular plan with single storey rear wing.

The principal elevation is symmetrical with the lower storey given basement representation in palazzo terms, being constructed on a granite plinth and clad in smooth-rendered rustication to indicate stone.

A flat section at the hip indicates the location of a former platform which was surrounded by a cast iron balustrade containing a flagpole for displaying the mail flag.

[1] Externally, the building's ability to demonstrate its original design is very good notwithstanding alterations to the loggia and telegraph entrance, and rear additions.

The size and quality of the building reflects Stawell's status in the 1870s as a prosperous central goldfields town and important regional centre for the former colony of Victoria.

Stylistically, Stawell Post Office is a handsome and imposing composition, albeit displaying restrained ornament typical of the mid-Victorian palazzo idiom.

While it lacks a prominent tower its bold palazzo style with rusticated "basement" and corner siting contribute to its stateliness and monumental expression.

The bold Post Office building is a recognised local landmark within the main government and commercial precinct of Stawell, partnering with the nearby Town Hall.

The disabled access ramp and additions to the rear of the building including the first floor staff amenities, post box lobby, brick offices and storeroom are not significant.

[1] This Wikipedia article was originally based on Stawell Post Office, entry number 105513 in the Australian Heritage Database published by the Commonwealth of Australia 2019 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 9 March 2019.