Currie & Richards showrooms and warehouses, 473-481 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Title:
Currie & Richards showrooms and warehouses, 473-481 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
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BIF-CITY 103231
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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Period: Early VictorianNotable features: Carriage wayCREATION DATES: 1853 part?, 1874, 1908DESIGNER(S): Oakden & Ballantyne 1908BUILDER: Webster, Walker 1874ASSOCIATIONS:Grant, John & Ellen, Currie & Richards; Robert E. Hamilton.ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceHistoryThe northern part of this shop, residence and warehouse row, appears to be shown in an 1866 isometric of Melbourne as occupying a similar volume and close to what was the Royal George (later Limerick Castle) Hotel (now Y.M.C.A.). Bibb's c1856 plan shows a row of differently planned buildings on the site and carriage ways, like the present one. It is likely that the northern building of the current complex (stone) is the southernmost of the three, as shown in Bibb's plan, (the stone shops adjoining on the south, 469-71, also appear on this plan) and that these were divided from the hotel on the north by a carriage way on the site of 487 Elizabeth.The grantee of CA9/2 was Charles Rochford, paying ₤710 in 1852. He mortgaged the land (most of this allotment is occupied by this complex) in 1853 (to Samuel Ramsden) for a significant 2000 pounds, indicating that the core of the complex arose in that year. One of Rochford's later borrowings appears to have meant the loss of the land to Michael Shanahan, by 1865, who eventually owned both allotments nine and ten. Rate descriptions of this period describe Shanahan's 14 room hotel adjacent to a row of three four-room (two-storey) brick shops. Adjoining on the south was Mr. Comte's coal yard, offices, etc., and three brick and stone shops (467-71).The hardware firm, Currie & Richards, began leasing the land (then owned by John Hughes) in c1871-2. Builder, Walter Webster, applied to build `Addition to premises' on their behalf in 1874 at 305-7 Elizabeth Street, which may have been one of the rear store buildings. George Grant was the next owner (1890s) with Currie & Richards occupying a brick and iron store and Joh Walton, William Jones and George Williamson occupying the three brick shops which occupied the site between the store and the hotel to the north. The difference between this description and one in 1885, was the size of Currie & Richards' store; it was now 50 x 100 feet, which approximates the frontage of the present warehouse building south of the carriage way. This carriage way then operated as the access to the Royal George Livery Stable.It is possible that 481 was refaced in conjunction with 473-5 in the period c1885-90, in a style vaguely similar to the architecture use in the 1875 Franklin Street, Currie & Richards' building. Similarly the same might be supposed for the 1874 Elizabeth Street addition, except for the lesser store frontage of 33 feet. It is also possible that the architectural treatment was commenced in 1874 and matched later. However, the rated value of the `brick shops' (481) rose by 50% in 1885-90. Why also would a similar image be sought for both sides of the carriage way when different firms occupied the buildings. This is presumably only explained by the common ownership (Grant).Another more probable explanation is that it was done when Currie & Richards did occupy all of the site, which first occurred during c1899-10. This also explains the larger scale of the details and austerity of the façade, particularly the parapet. The carriageway continued to be used for the livery stables well into this Century, as did the Currie & Richards' occupation of both the street frontage and most of the rear stores.DescriptionA two storey shop, residence and warehouse row with carriage-way at the 479 equivalent position in the façade. Shopfronts survive on 473-477 and in plan on 481 Elizabeth Street. The upper levels are rendered as smooth rusticated ashlar and divided in low relief bays and piers, the bays resting on panelled plinths with Queen Anne scrolls either side. The main cornice is dentillated but the parapet above has been stripped of detail or rebuilt. Colonial bonded brickwork is visible on the south wall of the carriage-way and rubble basalt on the north, with the new façade visible as a thin layer of brickwork. Basalt is also used in the pitched lane and yard also as bollards and rubbing strips. The wrought and cast iron carriage gates appear of recent construction and the rear brick warehouse structures from a variety of dates.External IntegrityShopfront sheeted over at 481, awnings added, parapet rebuilt and signs added.StreetscapeRelates closely to the stone shop pair at 469-471.SignificanceAn extensive complex built up over some 50 years, which nevertheless presents an homogenous 19th Century warehouse cum showroom character and contains elements and land-use patterns created in the 1850s by the original grantee. Given the total internal renovation of the Franklin Street building, this remains as the most faithful representation of the firm Currie & Richards' extensive hardware business, particularly the private internal courtyard which was once common for city factories and warehouses, but is now rare (see also Carlton Brewery)..GRAEME BUTLER & ASSOCIATES 2011, CENTRAL CITY (HODDLE GRID) HERITAGE REVIEWStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?The grantee of CA9/2 was Charles Rochford, paying ₤710 for the land in 1852. He mortgaged the land (most of the allotment is covered by the complex) in 1853 to Samuel Ramsden for a significant ₤2000, indicating that the core of the complex arose in that year. One of Rochford's later borrowings appears to have meant the loss of the land to Michael Shanaghan, by 1865, who eventually owned both allotments nine and ten. Rate descriptions of this period describe Shanaghan's 14 room hotel adjacent to a row of three four-room (two-storey) brick shops. Adjoining on the south was Mr. Comte's coal yard, offices, etc., and three brick and stone shops (467-71).The northern part of this showrooms and warehouse row, is shown in the DeGruchy & Leigh 1866 isometric of Melbourne close to, or part of, what was once the Royal George (later Limerick Castle) Hotel to the north of this site. Bibb's 1856 plan shows a row of three similar buildings to that existing on the site with a carriage way dividing the northernmost from the rest. The northern building is set back from the street unlike the others: the existing north wall of the existing carriageway (479) shows rubble stone work also set back from the street, since infilled with brick.The hardware firm, Currie & Richards (1869-), began leasing the land (then owned by John Hughes) c1871-2. Builder, Walter Webster, applied to build `Addition to premises' on their behalf in 1874 at 305-7 Elizabeth Street. George Grant was the next land owner (1890s) with Currie & Richards leasing a brick and iron store and John Walton, William Jones and George Williamson occupying the three brick shops which occupied the site between the store and the hotel to the north. This carriage way was then access to the Royal George Hotel Livery Stables as well as the other stores.The MMBW Drainage Plan (160 feet to the inch, c1895) shows the stores at 473-7 Elizabeth Street as constructed substantially of timber with rear timber-framed sheds. Similarly the site of the two-storey rear workshop was occupied by a coach house connected with the Royal George Hotel stabling'. The first entry for the two-storey workshop at the rear of 481 was in 1899-1900 when it was listed as Miss E Bowden's underclothing manufactory, soon to be occupied by Currie & RichardIn the period 1900-1910, the brick and iron stores fronting Elizabeth Street (473-477) and the inner yard rose in value. These stores with those at the rear were built in 1908 to the design of Oakden & Ballantyne for Ellen Grant of Clutha, East Melbourne. It is probable that 481 was refaced in conjunction with the construction of 473-7 Elizabeth Street, all in a style vaguely similar to the Italian Renaissance revival architecture use in the 1874 Franklin Street (79-81) sheet metal workshop building acquired by Currie & Richards c1904-5. Ellen Grant owned all of 473-491 Elizabeth Street. The carriageway continued to be used for the livery stables well into this Century, as did the Currie & Richards' occupation of both the street frontage and most of the rear stores.Further works on the complex included minor alterations to the warehouse at 473- 77 in 1924, alterations to the store (new doorway to eastern store at rear?) in 1936 and work on the shopfront to 473 in 1937. Currie & Richards remained there until relatively recently, being succeeded by Stramit Industries also builders sheet-metal suppliersThis is a two storey rendered showroom row (473-477, 481) with warehouses (479) and carriage-way at 479 Elizabeth St leading to the rear courtyard. The carriageway wall of the adjoining 481 is part stone rubble but most of the rear courtyard buildings are face brick. Within the rear courtyard are brick gabled one and two level stores or warehouses and the rear wings to the shops facing Elizabeth Street. Of the two single level gabled brick warehouses (1908) on the south side of the courtyard, the eastern warehouse has a new opening but presumably once resembled the smaller warehouse on the west which has an arched opening. The third warehouse (1899-1900) is on two levels with a deep quarry faced bluestone plinth (4 courses) and an added balcony to what was the upper level loading door (cathead over, since removed).The upper level parapeted street façade is near intact and rendered as smooth rusticated ashlar and divided with low relief bays or pilasters, the bays resting on panelled plinths with Queen Anne scrolls either side. The main cornice is dentilated but the parapet wall above is plain. Basalt is also used in the yard as bollards and rubbing strips. The wrought and cast iron carriage gates appear of recent construction. Shopfronts survived in the 1980s on 473 - 477 Elizabeth Street but have since been replaced; a related early 20th century shopfront is at 481 which is probably original. In the 1980s the warehouses had timber frames, with stop-chamfered columns as well as overhead travelling gantries, used for lifting the builders' materials once stored there by Currie & Richards. There was also evidence of a stone pitched yard but this has been replaced.One other early City complex (also in Elizabeth Street) has a similar carriageway but no associated warehouse buildings facing onto it. This complex is the only one of its type in the central city in this respect. Although of mixed development eras the courtyard and carriageway layout derives in part from the 1850s. The shops relate closely to the altered stone shop pair at 469-471 Elizabeth St.How is it significant?This showroom & warehouse group is significant historically to the Melbourne Capital City ZoneWhy is it significant?This showroom & warehouse complex is significant, historically, as an extensive Victorian and Edwardian-era complex built up over some 60 years, which nevertheless presents an homogenous 19th century warehouse character and contains elements and land use patterns created in the 1850s by the original grantee.The combination of Edwardian-era showrooms facing Elizabeth Street, stores at the rear, a Victorian-era workshop, the courtyard and the carriageway which served them is not repeated as a courtyard-oriented complex in the City of Melbourne, although once more common in th early Victorian-era, and is now uncommon in the state.With the Franklin Street building , this complex remains as a good representation of the firm Currie & Richards' extensive hardware business, particularly the carriageway and private internal courtyard. It also contains relatively well-preserved if austere examples of the work of the noted architects, Oakden & Ballantyne, as applied to a show room and warehouse complex within a traditional courtyard..RAWORTH, B 2002. REVIEW OF HERITAGE OVERLAY LISTINGS IN THE CBDfor the City of MelbourneHistory and Description473-481 Elizabeth Street is an extensive complex built up over 50 years from 1853'. The original grantee was Charles Rochiord but the site is generally associated with the hardware firm Currie & Richards, who began leasing the land from c.1871. The complex comprises a two-storey shop, residence and warehouse row and has retained a number of early shopfronts and a carriage way to the internal court. The facade has retained much of its early decoration with upper levels rendered as smooth rusticated ashlar and divided into bays by low relief piers, the bays resting on panelled plinths with Queen Anne scrolls on either side. The main cornice is dentilated but the parapet above appears to have been stripped or rebuilt Colonial bonded brickwork is visible on the south side of the carriageway and rubble basalt to the north with the new facade visible as a thin layer of brickwork. The internal basalt courtyard is of special note as unusual the site retains built elements and land-use patterns dating back to the 1850s. The group has undergone a number of alterations externally including the reconstruction of shopfronts and the addition of awnings but remains in good and remarkably original condition for its age.Statement of SignificanceThe former Currie & Richards complex is of historical significance at a local level as an example of an early group of retail premises within Melbourne's CBD. It is of particular interest for its early facade and internal courtyard space..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cite Yuncken Freeman Architects P/L 1976.. Historic Buildings Preservation Council Melbourne CBD Study Area 5 (81), page 42-44 Recommended to the Historic Buildings Register as early Melbourne shops and for rear courtyard ;cite RBs 1870 (307) coach maker's shop and yard, plus iron store, plus 2 flats 25x60' John Hughes the owner-1871 (305) yard and iron shed, 2 flats 25x60' (307) coal yard and shed, 1/8 acre; 1895 brick and iron store 50x100' with wood and iron stable 90x50'; quotes Currie & Richards company records as on this site since 1868 leasing an iron shed and erected the present structure just before 1895;states carriageway part of royal George Hotel complex (most demolished except for 487) leading to stables; ..LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEXRecord 75137 Currie & Richards Melbourne VIC alterations Webster, Walker - Melbourne 1874 07 24 5986, MCC registration no 5986 [Burchett Index]. Fee 2.2.0 addition to premises Elizabeth St - 305-7.HERITAGE BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT 1987 CITY OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CITY NOTABLE BUILDINGS CITATIONSA three-storey brick building with a rendered Italianate facade, it was erected as workshops for Alfred Shaw and Company, Block Tinware Manufacturers, in 1875. It was acquired by Currie and Richards, also sheet metal workers, in 1904. The building is notable for the design of its exterior and as a survivor of the small manufacturing establishments that once populated the northern fringe of the city..VICTORIA HERITAGE REGISTERH0440What is significant?The Currie and Richards Warehouse was erected in 1875 as a three storey brick workshop/warehouse for Alfred Shaw and Co., tinware manufacturers. The building features a stucco facade, and is regularly fenestrated with a rusticated ground floor, prominent string courses and Tuscan cornice entablature. The architect is unknown. The 1869 date on the parapet refers to the foundation of Currie and Richards' business, not the date of the building' erection.How is it significant?The Currie and Richards Warehouse is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria.Why is it significant?The Currie and Richards Warehouse is of architectural significance as a fine example of a 19th century warehouse in Melbourne and a distinctive example of the Renaissance Revival style applied to such a building. The clear derivation from the Italian palazzi mode, evident in the Tuscan cornice entablature and rusticated ground floor, is a notable quality of this building. The substantial character of the building, with its restrained but dignified facade, and choice of architectural style reflect the growth of Melbourne as a prosperous city in the aftermath of the gold rushes.The Currie and Richards Warehouse is of historical significance as a reminder of the character of the 19th century city, in which residential, commercial and industrial uses existed in close proximity. Although the building no longer performs an industrial function, the side lane hoist arrangement remains as tangible evidence of its original purpose. There are now few remaining traces of central Melbourne' industrial past, giving the warehouse added importance..Contextual History:History of Place:The original owner of the land on which the warehouse stands was William Leney Brodie, who acquired it in January 1850. There were several other owners before Currie and Richards purchased it in 1907. Prior to 1875 the site was used as a timber yard..VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORY H7822-2078Prior to existing structure the site was used as a timber yard.1866 map shows vacant land with small building in centre.1880 Panorama shows 3 storey building.City of Melbourne i-Heritage:Central Activities District Conservation Study - Graeme Butler, 1984 : Building Identification Form (BIF): : Description/Notable Features Notable features include an intact shop front (Nos. 473 - 5). Alterations / Recommendations: Parapet altered, shopfronts new, colour ( all sympathetic - no recommendations) Upper level signs new, verandah gone ( reinstate original design or sympathetic alternative) Awnings added ( inappropriate - remove or reinstate sympathetic alternative) Shopfront painted over ( inappropriate - remove by approved method) Cladding to parapet ( inappropriate - remove).Graeme Butler Expert Evidence for AAT hearing 473-481 Elizabeth St n.d.Summary dates:Shops to Elizabeth st (473-477) refacing of 481 plus two rear single level stores: 1908Rear detached 2 storey workshop 1899-1900.CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS5986 24 July 1874: (305-307 Elizabeth st) addition to premises B=Walter Webster, O= Currie & RichardsPROV473-4791923, 5554 alterations to warehouse...1936 17281 alterations to building1937 shopfront 4731993 $80,000 refurb ground floor.MAHLSTEDT FIRE INSURANCE PLAN SERIES STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIAMahlstedt c1910-15 (MUA) plan 16A: Currie & Richards 473-477 (473-475 being two wide tenancies along Elizabeth St compared to the narrower frontages north of the carriageway at 481-) with two 2-storey shop buildings to the south of a carriageway with single storey stores behind as existing with 2 storey detached store on west side of court, stables and yard to north; on the west side of the carriageway (`Archway') is a one storey store with three 2 storey buildings and the Royal George to the north.Mahlstedt 1924 (State Library of Victoria collection: ) is similar but now shows a 2 storey building north of the Archway, with concrete floors, all as Currie & Richards. the three storey building on the north of the group (former hotel) is now Henderson's Building..Google mapsGoogle maps aerial view (2010) shows narrow frontages with hipped roofs on 467-471, three roof forms on 473-481 being narrow gabled roof bay central to two similar width roof bays on north and south, one hipped and one gabled..DE GRUCHY & LEIGH, 1866. ISOMETRICAL PLAN OF MELBOURNE AND SUBURBS IN 1866DeGruchy & Leigh 1866, State Library of Victoria collection: : shows a row of about six 2 storey buildings with the hotel at the north end (hotel and 4 shop and residences) , with what may be a carriage way thro to a large rear stable yard, no stores except to north on Elizabeth St (bowed roof possible iron store), the old hotel at the A'Beckett St corner.AUSTRALIAN DICTIONARY OF BIOGRAPHY:David Dunstan, 'Brunton, Sir William (1867 - 1938)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 7, Melbourne University Press, 1979, pp 466-467.BRUNTON, Sir WILLIAM (1867-1938), businessman and lord mayor, was born on 1 February 1867 at Carlton, Victoria, son of David Brunton, mason, and his wife Margaret, née Lonie, both Scottish-born. He was educated at Princes Hill State School and, after his father died, was apprenticed in 1880 as a carpenter and joiner. Seven years later Brunton was invited to join his uncle's business, Currie & Richards, manufacturers of galvanized spouting and ironware. He became a partner and, in 1918 when a proprietary company was formed, a managing director, retaining a lifelong connexion with the firm. He consolidated his business career by accepting directorships with London Stores Ltd, the Standard Mutual Building Society, and the Metropolitan Gas and Australasian Advertising companies…'.REGISTRAR GENERAL’S OFFICE (RGO)Search Note 605 (Shanahan).MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVEShold Currie & Richards Pty Ltd records.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1875 The AgeTrade Addresses.CURRIE and RICHARDS. Galvanised Iron Merchants and Spouting Manufacturers, 307 Elizabeth-street..The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930)Saturday 2 June 1917 - Page 5https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/748385331917 Mr. Robert E. Hamilton, a member of the firm of Currie and Richards, hardware merchants, of Elizabeth street, died suddenly at his residence, "Lisburn," Stanhope street, Malvern, on May 24.….(associated for nearly 50 years, and had been a partner for 30 years.).DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1880:305 and 307 Currie and Richards , galvanised iron merchantsand spouting manufacturers309 Royal George livery stables-Craik, J. (rear yard)311 Watton, J. and J, tinsmiths313 Jones, William W, oil and color merchant315 Williamson, George, tailor(317 Royal George hotel-McPoyle, John)1893:477 Currie& Richards galvanised iron merchants479 Royal George livery stables (rear yard)483 Mayne, Alfred, & Co, tinsmiths and ironworkers Elfenbein& Richard joiners and incubator works485 Williamson, George, tailor487 Vacant491 Royal George hotel-Maskell,603 McEwan, Jas., & Co Ltd, machinery merchants1920:473-481 Currie & Richards.Wise Directory1895:473-477 Currie & Richards479 O'Donnell livery stables481 Maynot & Co, tinsmiths.City of Melbourne Rate Books:VPRS 5780 MicroficheElizabeth Street 473-481 – City of Melbourne – Bourke WardDate Rate no Occupier Owner Description nav1900 446 Currie & Richards George Grant 473 Bk. & Iron Store 50 x 100 200447 John O’Donnell George Grant Off Elizabeth Bk. Stables 90 x 50 40448 Currie & Richards George Grant 481 Bk. Shop 2 flats 16 x 66 44.1895 441 Currie & Richards George Grant 473 Bk. & Iron Store 50 x 100 200442 Blank George Grant Off 473 stabling 90 x 100 50443 Walton & Co George Grant 481 Bk. Shop 16 x 66 60.1890 422 Currie & Richard George Grant 473 Bk. & Iron Store 50 x 100 300423 Watson & Co George Grant 481 Bk. Shop & workshop 16 x 66 90.1885 1129 Currie & Richard Hughes Trust 309 Bk. & iron Store 33 x100 1601130 John Watton Hughes Trust 311 Bk. Shop 4 rms. 16 x 66 60.1880 153 J Watton Hughes Trustees Bk. Shop 4 rms. 16 x 66 60154 Currie & Co Hughes Trustees Bk. & iron store 33 x100 150.1875 151 Edwin Watton John Hughes Bk. Shop 4 rms. 16 x 66 60152 Currie & Richards John Hughes Bk. & iron store ¼ acre 150.1874 153 Edward Watton John Hughes 311 Bk. Shop 4 rms. 16 x 66 60154 Currie & Company John Hughes 307 Iron & Bk. store 18 x 60 50155 Blank John Hughes Off Elizabeth St. store yard 1/3 acre 35.1870 211 Ed Watton John Hughes 311 Bk. shop 4 rms. 50212 David Pullar John Hughes 309 Coal yard & shed 35213 Currie & Richards John Hughes 307 Bk. & iron. coach makers, shop & yard 45.1869 209 E Watton John Hughes 311 Bk. Shop 4 rms. 50210 Pullar & Co John Hughes 309 Coal yard & shed 35211 Millar John Hughes 307 Bk. & iron. coach makers shop 45.1867, (201 (317) Hoyle, M Shanaghan, brick hotel 14 rooms, ₤160)202 (315) Peiton or Patton (?), Shanaghan, brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50203 (313) Purdon?, M Shanaghan, brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50204 (311) Walton, M Shanaghan, brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50(rest in street owned by M Conte- coal yard and offices etc.303 brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50301 brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50299 brick and stone 4 rooms ₤50).1862, 486-317 M Shanaghan owner-occupier, Limerick Castle hotel 14 rooms ₤220315 David Patton, M Shanaghan, stone shop plus 4 rooms ₤ 52313 T Henderson, M Shanaghan, stone shop plus 4 rooms ₤ 52311 Ed Walton, M Shanaghan, stone shop plus 4 rooms ₤ 52
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