National Trustees Executors and Agency Company Building, 93-95 Queen Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
National Trustees Executors and Agency Company Building, 93-95 Queen Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 108065
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
Access restrictions:
UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________DATE: 1939;ASSOCIATIONS: National Trustees Executors and Agency Company;DESIGNER: Henderson, Anketell & K & Partners;BUILDER: J. C. Taylor and Sons Pty. Ltd.Style: Neo-GothicNotable features: 1. Terracotta faced, podium... notable neo-gothic.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceHistoryDesigned in 1939 as a modest neo-Gothic commercial cathedral for the National Trustees Executors and Agency Co. of Australia Ltd., it was the concept of the prolific revivalist firm of Anketell and K Henderson who also designed the Modern Gothic Trustees Chambers at 401 - 403 Collins Street (1937).DescriptionLate for the commercial Gothic demonstrated by the Norris Coles design of 1928 - 30, it nevertheless takes on more of the Moderne characteristics of Alkira House opposite but is betrayed by its jagged parapet line as one of the Gothic mode. Given the limited number of upper floors (4) the classically inspired podium is relatively high, almost offsetting the Medieval details above. Far from the Gothic, the ground level is typically monumental and austere, both in scale and fenestration, with giant portals supporting a horizontal band cum balconette at the first floor level. Folded spandrel details are reminiscent of the more notable neo-Gothic Shell Corner Building (by the same architects) which is clad with a similar moulded terracotta faience. Internally there remains the splendid executive suite at the first floor level, serviced by its own private lift. The lift car, its doors and leaded window are a prelude to the extensive Queensland Walnut veneer used as partition facings and for built-in storage. The Moderne feeling is dominant with notable light fittings, ceiling mouldings and a unique (?) radio-like switchboard console. The stair leading to this and the lower mezzanine level is white marble paved with a typical Streamlined Moderne wrought iron balustrade. The former general office space remains as a double height chamber, overlooked by the mezzanine executive area but lowered ceilings have modified the volume and the ceiling details. This and most other levels are fitted out with standard veneered partitions of the 1965 - 70 period.External IntegrityGenerally original, new entry doors and some lobby details changed (i.e.. ceiling finish and fittings). Internally the shell is near intact with new fittings.StreetscapeUnrelated except for the verticality of the fenestration shared with the later building to the south.SignificanceStylistically unadventurous but notable for the well preserved and detailed facade by commercial design specialists, A & K Henderson. Internally highly notable for its first floor level managerial (?) suite..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites source 80; RAIA (Vic) 20th C. Register_________________________________________REID, KEITH & JOHN R, 1976, MELBOURNE CBD STUDY AREA 7 (source 80)BUILT: 1939ARCHITECT: A. K. Henderson & Partners6 storey office building. Stone facade, brick and concrete structure.A small, sophisticated stone faced building of M:xlern Gothic style, similar to the Manchester Unity but comparable with the Alkira building in scale I texture and crowning detail. The latter is however, a unique and more representative example. of the experimental aspirations of that era.A building now isolated in style and scale by recent high rise office blocks on each side.RecommendationRetention of building or facade not warranted._________________________________________HERITAGE BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT 1987 CITY OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CITY NOTABLE BUILDINGS CITATIONSSTATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEA small but well articulated example of the modern "commercial gothic" style, the National Trustees Executors & Agency was built in 1939 to a design by the architects A & K Henderson_________________________________________NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (VIC)CLASSIFICATION REPORT - TWENTIETH CENTURY BUILDINGS COMMITTEESTATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEThe National Trustees Executors & Agency Co. of Australia offices designed by the prominent architects A & K Henderson and Partners, and constructed in 1939 by the builder Andrew Douglas (Deceased Estate), is architecturally of regional significance as a modest but well articulated example of the modern commercial Gothic style. The building follows in the tradition of The National Executors & Agency Co. headquarters around the corner in Collins Street, (also by A & K Henderson, of 1937) and the Manchester Unity Building as examples of commercial office buildings of modern vertical form with Gothic influence to their detailing.The building's symmetry, high podium, fine materials and detailing give it a handsome presence on the street despite its modest scale and the recent high rise office developments surrounding it.Refurbished in 1989, the interior has been largely destroyed, with the introduction of a mezzanine level the double height foyer space to provide an extra level of office space facing Queen Street. The facade is generally intact, except for the painting of the Wunderlich terracotta faience base treatment. The salmon pink face bricks used for the vertical piers, the bronze window frames and the synthetic stone facing used as panels between the windows and for the pierced tracery parapet are still intact. ….REFERENCESTitle details: V8945 F296Picture Collection, state Library of Victoria. Drawings held as part of the Melbourne University Architectural Drawing Collection. Ref: WD. OFF33 'The Perpetual Executors & Trustees Association of Australia, New Premises at Queen street, Melbourne', 4 sheets, Nos.2,5,7,8. Undated.RVIA Journal, April 1939, p.64. Illustration of 'Building being erected at 93-95 Queen street, Melbourne for the National Trustees & Executors Agency Co. of Australia.Architects: A & K Henderson.'The Age, December 6, 1938. 'A perspective drawing prepared by the architects Messrs. A & K Henderson and partners, for the new building now in course of erection at 93-95 Queenstreet, Melbourne, for the National Trustees, Executors and Agency Co. of Australasia Ltd.'The Argus, July 17, 1939. (Melbourne edition), Feature Article marking the completion of the building. From RAIA Press Cuttings, 1938-1940, held in the Manuscripts Collection, state Library of VictoriaMelbourne Cityscope. Map 28,#50.Reid, K & J.R., CBD study Area 7 for_the HBPC,1976.Melbourne Planning Scheme, Notable Building citation._________________________________________NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954)Tuesday 15 February 1938 - Page 13https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206742214BUILDING AND ARCHITECTUREOLD HOTEL PASSES WRECKERS AT RUBIRA'SModern Shop Premises to be Erected.SEVERAL substantial city works will shortly be placed In the hands of the builders. The sale of the plant and fittings of Rublra's hotel and cafe. in central Bourke-street, was completed yesterday, and the wreckers will enter into possession to-morrow. Mr. H. A. Norris has prepared plans for extensive additions to the premises of G. J. Coles and Co. Ltd., and in the near future he will let a contract for a modern building on the site of the old hotel.Another big project is the new building for the National Bank of Australasia Ltd., on the north-west corner of Collins- street and William-street, plans for which are in the hands of Messrs. Meldrum and Noad, the architects for the bank. Tenders are expected to be invited very soon, and, as the property is now vacant, there will be little delay in commencing operations. Messrs. W. and R. Butler also have a Collins-street job on hand, having just let a contract to Hansen and Yuncken Pty. Ltd. for a new eastern, branch for the Union Bank.The same architects have also been entrusted with a big Job in Point Nepean-road for Caravam Construction and Hire Co. Pty. Ltd. Among the many hotels that are listed for remodelling is the Brunswick Family. In Brunswick-street, Fitzroy. Three bars, a large dining room, kitchen, service quarters and a parlor are to be added, and steel-frame windows and extensive exterior work are planned. The architect is Mr. F. Morsby.A decided acquisition to western Collins-street is the new building of the Trustees, Executors, and Agency Company Ltd., the exterior of which is nearing completion. The steel and concrete structure of eleven stories is finished, and the stone facing work has reached the eighth floor. The severe modern lines adopted by the architects, Messrs. A. and K. Henderson, stand out in striking, contrast with the ornate facade of the National Mutual building next door, but the color is in pleasing harmony. The work is being done by J. C. Taylor and Sons Pty. Ltd., and the letting agents are K. Gardner and Lang Pty. Ltd.
Related material link:
Names:
Topics:
Places:
Form/Genre:
Record types:
Research and reports
Record number:
1260347
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 108065 | 1 PDF : 3,235 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |