Victorian Butter Factories Cooperative Co. Building, 54-60 King Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1982
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Victorian Butter Factories Cooperative Co. Building, 54-60 King Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1982
Search dates:
01 Jan 1982 - 31 Dec 1982
Reference number:
Butler16524
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materials
Part of:
Access restrictions:
Unrestricted
Use restrictions:
Unrestricted
General notes:
Style: Neo-GrecPeriod: Inter-WarConstruction date: 1937-1938.ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER:.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites RAIA 20th C. Register; source 79 PERROTT, LYON, TIMLOCK AND KESA 1976, C.B.D. STUDY, CITY OF MELBOURNE CONSERVATION STUDY AREA TWO, p28.PERROTT, LYON, TIMLOCK AND KESA 1976, C.B.D. STUDY, CITY OF MELBOURNE CONSERVATION STUDY AREA TWO: 28-HISTORY OF EXISTING BUILDING.October 1936: Auction of site on behalf of Lady A.E.F. Madden.Note:An easement existed of 4'4", along the northern boundary: the existing stone store was set back this distance from No.62-4 King Street. 'Situated in dairy produce centre opportunity to buy in a city section where property is generally unobtainable.'The site was purchased by the Victorian Butter Factories Co-Operative Co. Ltd., in October 1936, for 195 per foot. ($12,500)(Refer to Press cuttings)January 1937, Marcus Barlow sent a report on the old Francis and M'Pherson building, pointing out head height problems (basement had clear, 6'6" headroom), structural problems, (the existing bluestone walls were considered 'very old' and general experience showed that such walls were badly built) plus that the 4'0" light easement, existant should be eliminated if possible by repositioning the north wall. Such works implied by the above conditions were said to constitute the costs of a new job.With this report Barlow sent sketches of a proposed building of basement and two floor levels: the basement would be purely storage (cool storage for produce) the ground floor would provide offices, at the front, with a sales space for butter, across the rear. A board room, staff amenities and storage would be at first floor level: A lift would serve all floors. The estimated cost was ₤6,272.The elevation was described thus: 'Following on your wishes, the front has been designed in the classical style, and the building should always look distinctive and in good taste, I thoroughly approve your choice'. The proximity in King Street, to the Wool Exchange building, surely was not co-incidental, this building being completed some 25 years previously.The structure was to be of reinforced concrete; the thickness of walls, floors etc. were adjusted to the requirements of the Co-operative Insurance Company, an affiliated company to the Co-operative, whose offices were located up King Street, at the corner of Collins Street. Viz. external walls not less than 6", floors not less than 4" of concrete. The foundations were designed to carry two extra floors : a scheme that was developed further by Barlow in 1949 but not executed.The face walls were to be of seconds bricks with cement render applied.The tender was let in May, 1937. Prices came in from builders such as Watts, Clements Langford, Cockram, and Morrison Brothers. Simmie and Co. won the contract at a price of 10,178. The contract was signed 7.7.1937:The building reaching completion in May, 1938.REFERENCE:Files from: Amalgamated Marketing Co-operative and Co.St. Kilda Road, Melbourne.NOTES: (re. 54 King Street.)·1. (a)Memorial 26.251, January 1855.Thomas Brown sold the land to Duncan M'Pherson and James Goodall Francis for 4000.(b) M.C.C. Ratebook, Lonsdale Ward, 1855..VICTORIAN HERITAGE INVENTORYThis place is included on the Victorian Heritage Inventory, for its potential to contain historical archaeological remains associated with the settlement and growth of early Melbourne. Under the terms of the Heritage Act 2017 there is protection for all historical archaeology sites and objects in the state..NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (VIC)Property No B4086- no Statement of Significance.HERITAGE BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT 1987 CITY OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CITY NOTABLE BUILDINGS CITATIONSThis modern Classical Revival building was constructed in 1938 as a dairy produce showroom and store to a design by Marcus Barlow. The building is unusual in that it is anachronistic and perhaps 10 years younger than other buildings of the same style in the city. Its design is presumably a reflection of the character of the buildings around it or a reflection of the Wool Exchange to the north in King Street. It is a significant component of the King Street warehouse group..NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Friday 30 July 1937 - Page 16https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11119276 illustWork has commenced on the demolition of two old bluestone warehouses at 54 to 60 King street, on the east side, between Flinders lane and Collins street, to make way for the erection of a new building for the Victorian Butter Factories Co-operative Co. Ltd. The company, which has occupied leased premises at 47 King street, for 34 years, purchased the site at auction last October for a £2,500. The new building will occupy the whole of the site, which has 54ft. 4in. frontage, by a depth of 70ft. back to Geddes lane, and will provide accommodation to cope with increasing business.Materials: Reinforced concreteArchitects: Marcus Barlow
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\\mcc\groups\comserv\Melbourne Library Service\Community Heritage\Spydus\Butler collection\Butler16524.tif
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Images, maps and artefacts
Record number:
755209
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | Butler16524 | 66.5 MB ; 5647 x 4112 px | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |