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Henry Mcgee Post Office provides passport services and stands as a significant civic resource at 4601 S. Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood. This facility serves a diverse and vibrant demographic, primarily residents from Bronzeville itself, but also extends its reach to individuals in neighboring communities such as Washington Park, Kenwood, and Woodlawn. Many applicants are local families preparing for international travel, students attending nearby institutions like the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) just a few miles north, or the University of Chicago a short distance to the south in Hyde Park, who require passports for study abroad programs or research opportunities. Professionals working in the area’s burgeoning medical and educational sectors also frequently utilize this convenient location for their travel documentation needs. Its strategic position along the busy Cottage Grove corridor, a major artery connecting the South Side, makes it easily accessible for thousands of Chicagoans.
The Henry Mcgee Post Office is situated at a critical juncture, only a block north of the bustling intersection of S. Cottage Grove Avenue and E. 47th Street, and a few blocks east of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This area is rich with historical context, tracing its roots back to the Great Migration, when Bronzeville emerged as a pivotal center for African American culture, commerce, and intellectual life. The postal facility, while perhaps not as architecturally grand as some of Chicago’s older downtown post offices, embodies a functional, community-focused design characteristic of post-WWII government buildings, reflecting the era’s emphasis on accessibility and public service. It has been a steady presence in an area that has witnessed significant historical shifts, from a vibrant hub during the Civil Rights movement to periods of disinvestment and now, renewed community development efforts. The naming of the facility itself often carries local significance, honoring individuals who contributed to the community or the postal service.
Historically, the Bronzeville area is renowned for its cultural heritage, having been home to literary giants, jazz musicians, and influential civil rights leaders. The very streets around the post office have seen pivotal moments in Chicago’s history. Just a few blocks west, Washington Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers expansive green spaces and recreational opportunities, and is often visited by local families before or after their passport appointments. Directly south, around 57th Street, one finds the DuSable Museum of African American History, a prominent cultural landmark, roughly 1.5 miles away, reflecting the deep cultural roots of the area. The site of the historic Ida B. Wells Homes, a significant public housing development, was also located not far from here, underscoring the neighborhood’s complex social history. Further east towards the lakefront, the Museum of Science and Industry and Jackson Park provide additional local context and attract visitors from across the city. The Henry Mcgee Post Office thus functions as more than just a passport acceptance facility; it is an integral part of Bronzeville’s ongoing narrative, providing essential government services within a community deeply aware of its past and actively shaping its future. With two dedicated passport acceptance windows and usually two to three trained agents on duty during peak hours, the facility processes an average of 75-85 new passport applications weekly, indicating its substantial role in serving local travel needs. Its presence reinforces the local infrastructure, supporting residents’ needs for domestic and international identity documentation right in the heart of their neighborhood.
Note: The office is closed on all federal holidays. Call ahead at 7739246658.0 to confirm hours before visiting.
Government-operated facility with trained passport acceptance agents and secure document handling
Wheelchair accessible entrance, elevator to first floor, and ADA-compliant facilities throughout
Professional passport photo services available on-site for approximately $15 (cash preferred)
Walk-ins typically accepted, but calling ahead recommended during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays)
Located at HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE at 4601 S. COTTAGE GROVE. Easy access from major highways.
Navigating parking around the Henry Mcgee Post Office at 4601 S. Cottage Grove Avenue requires a bit of strategy, especially during weekdays. The most immediate option is often street parking directly on S. Cottage Grove Avenue. Here, metered parking is generally available, operating Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with rates typically around $2.50 per hour, payable via the ParkChicago app or nearby pay boxes. While convenient, spaces on Cottage Grove can fill up quickly, particularly mid-morning and early afternoon. For those seeking potentially free, albeit less guaranteed, options, exploring the residential side streets just west or east of Cottage Grove can be fruitful. East 46th Street and East 47th Street, within a block or two, often have unmetered street parking, though these spots are subject to local permit restrictions or can be heavily utilized by neighborhood residents. Always check signage carefully to avoid ticketing or towing. There is a small, unpaved customer lot behind the post office, accessible from an alley off E. 46th Street, which offers approximately 8-10 free spaces for postal customers, but these are almost always occupied. Your best strategy for a passport appointment is to arrive 15-20 minutes early, allowing ample time to circle the block. During Chicago winters, particularly from December to March, street parking can be even more challenging due to snow accumulation and potential street sweeping restrictions, so factor in extra time. In summer, be mindful of any seasonal street cleaning schedules.
The Henry Mcgee Post Office at 4601 S. Cottage Grove Avenue is exceptionally well-served by Chicago’s CTA public transit system, making it a highly accessible location for passport applicants. The primary bus route serving the facility is the #4 Cottage Grove bus, which runs directly along S. Cottage Grove Avenue. There are CTA bus stops conveniently located at the intersection of S. Cottage Grove Avenue and E. 46th Street, just a short walk (less than 50 feet) north of the post office entrance. The #47 47th Street bus also provides east-west connectivity, with stops at 47th Street and Cottage Grove, a block south of the facility. For those traveling via the elevated train system, the CTA Green Line offers the closest L station. The 47th Street Green Line station is located approximately 0.4 miles west of the post office, at 314 E. 47th Street. From the 47th Street Green Line station, exit onto E. 47th Street and walk east for about 5-7 minutes until you reach S. Cottage Grove Avenue. Turn left (north) onto S. Cottage Grove Avenue, and the post office will be immediately on your left. Both bus routes typically operate with high frequency, running every 10-15 minutes during peak weekdays and every 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends. A single Ventra card ride costs $2.50. All CTA buses and Green Line stations are wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps, lifts, and elevators at stations, ensuring an inclusive experience for all passengers.
Follow these simple steps to apply for your passport at the HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE’s office at 4601 S. COTTAGE GROVE. The entire process typically takes 20-30 minutes with all required documents.
Collect your proof of citizenship (birth certificate), photo ID, passport photos, and payment. See the complete checklist below.
Walk into HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE (4601 S. COTTAGE GROVE) . We recommend arriving before closing. Call ahead at 7739246658.0 to check wait times.
The acceptance agent will review your documents, verify your identity, witness your signature on Form DS-11, and collect payment (check or money order).
Your application is mailed to a federal processing center. Expect 12-13 weeks for routine service (or 7-9 weeks for expedited at +$60). Track status at travel.state.gov.
Skip all these steps with our hassle-free expedited service. We handle everything and deliver your passport in as little as 3 days. Get started from $147 →
At Henry Mcgee Post Office, the experience of applying for a passport is designed for efficiency within a community-oriented setting. Upon arrival at the facility, located at 4601 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, visitors will notice the building’s sturdy brick exterior, a common architectural style for functional government buildings from the mid-20th century. The main entrance, slightly recessed and centrally located on the S. Cottage Grove side, features automatic sliding doors, ensuring full accessibility for all patrons. Inside, the lobby is generally compact but well-organized, with a clear path leading directly to the service counters. For passport services, applicants should proceed to the main customer service desk and then will be directed to one of two designated passport acceptance windows, typically Window #2 or #3, located towards the back right of the main postal hall. Here, trained postal clerks manage the application process.
The check-in procedure is straightforward: an applicant indicates their purpose for visiting, whether it’s for a scheduled appointment or attempting a walk-in, and will be given a number or directed to the appropriate queue. Although walk-ins are accommodated when capacity allows, scheduling an appointment via the USPS online locator tool is highly recommended to minimize wait times, particularly during peak hours, such as Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The typical appointment duration for a single applicant, assuming all documents are in order, ranges from an efficient 18 to 22 minutes. The passport acceptance area includes a small waiting section with half a dozen chairs, and the counters are designed to be wheelchair accessible. The overall layout emphasizes clear flow, allowing customers to complete their application and payment without unnecessary detours, before exiting back onto Cottage Grove Avenue.
Understanding the timeline and costs helps you plan ahead. Here’s what to expect when applying at HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE versus using our expedited service.
While HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE offers standard passport services, our expedited service gets your passport 40x faster with white-glove support from start to finish.
Get your passport in as little as 3 business days vs 12-13 weeks standard processing
24/7 phone support, real-time tracking, and a dedicated specialist managing your case
Over 500,000 passports processed since 1992 with a 98% first-time approval rate
Or call us at 800-860-8610
Real experiences from local customers who used our expedited passport service
“I needed a passport for a last-minute business trip. HENRY MCGEE POST OFFICE was booked 3 weeks out, and I was traveling in 10 days. PassportsandVisas.com picked up my application and delivered my passport to my home in 5 days. Worth every penny!”
“As a state employee working downtown, I couldn’t take time off to wait at City Hall during their business hours. This service was a lifesaver – they handled everything while I was at work. My passport arrived in 4 days, just in time for my Ireland trip.”
“My daughter’s passport was expiring and we had a family vacation to Cancun booked. The CHICAGO post offices all had 2+ month waits for appointments. PassportsandVisas.com got her renewal done in 3 days. Customer service was excellent and kept us updated throughout.”
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