The planning for the redevelopment of our mini-skyscraper continues, under the watchful eye of Cliff Skinner, Honorary Heritage Officer for ADS. Cliff and ADS President Robin Grow recently met with the owner and architect, who revealed a great understanding of the Deco era and the priceless nature of this building. The plans are currently being reviewed and we are confident …
Mitchell House, Elizabeth St, Melbourne (Winter 2001)
One of Melbourne’s prominent Harry Norris buildings, Mitchell House at 352-362 Elizabeth Street is undergoing a long overdue facelift.
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (Winter 2001)
This country theatre features a fine Art Deco exterior and is currently for sale, after being passed in at auction recently. A community group has been formed to investigate ways of ensuring viability of the theatre and the businesses within. ADS has offered assistance and provided information and contacts.
ANZ Building, Elizabeth St, Melbourne (Winter 2001)
Like the Toronto Stock Exchange, there is currently a proposal to alter the former Royal Banking Chambers landmark building at the street level. The ANZ bank, owner of this fine 1941 Stephenson & Turner building, wishes to lower the windows on the Elizabeth Street side.
Maritime Services Building (Museum of Contemporary Art), Sydney (Winter 2001)
The Mayor of Sydney is leading a push to replace one of Sydney’s most prominent Art Deco buildings, the old Maritime Services Building which currently houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, with an office/cinema complex. The latest news is that Green Bans have been placed on the building by the union movement. Hopefully the bans will be as effective as …
Wimmera Livestock Bazaar, Hamilton St, Horsham (Autumn 2001)
The National Trust alerted us to the threat to demolish this unique Art Deco building in Hamilton St, Horsham. Constructed in 1936, this building operated for many years as a livestock trading bazaar. It has lately been used by the Horsham Arts Council. The building was recently sold to the Urban Land Corporation for redevelopment but has now been classified …
Maritime Services Building (Museum of Contemporary Art), Sydney (Autumn 2001)
Disturbing news from the Harbour City concerning the old Maritime Services Building that currently houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. This fine example of Deco architecture, constructed from local sandstone, is located at Circular Quay. The Mayor of Sydney is leading a push to replace the Sydney landmark with yet another office/cinema complex. This outrageous proposal will be strongly opposed …
Russell St Police Headquarters Complex, Melbourne (Summer 2001)
Another proposal has been lodged for the redevelopment of the site. This is the third in recent years, and it looks the best of them. The redevelopment will include a large block of apartments, set well back from the tower. The developer will also undertake to restore the original building. ADS is keen for redevelopment to occur before the cost …
Freemasons Hospital, Clarendon Street, East Melbourne (Summer 2001)
A recent press report stated that hospital services at the Freemasons Hospital, East Melbourne are to be relocated and the site is to be redeveloped as multi-storey apartments (16 storeys). It appears that the proposal includes the retention of the existing hospital building. However, there is much concern amongst local residents about the height of the proposed development. ADS will …
Middle Brighton Baths, The Esplanade, Middle Brighton (Spring 2000)
Good news at the Middle Brighton Baths. In 1934 the Brighton Baths on the Esplanade at Middle Brighton were destroyed by a storm. They were rebuilt in 1936 in a stark Moderne style and soon became a landmark, providing safe sea bathing for the local community. The cream brick building is symmetrically composed with a central double-storey pavilion and single-storey …