Display Block, 313-315 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Total copies: 1
Title:
Display Block, 313-315 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 105927
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
Part of:
Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
Use restrictions:
UnrestrictedPlease contact City of Melbourne Libraries about obtaining permission to reproduce images.
General notes:
RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2022:__________________________________________________Period: Inter-WarConstruction date: 1919-1921Notable features: 1. Ornament distinctive. 2. Facade letteringArchitect: Nahum BarnetASSOCIATIONS: Lesley A Vail;IMAGES:https://flic.kr/p/NSEMVVhttps://flic.kr/p/NXdayU.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites GRAEME BUTLER 1982-3, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (VIC) 20TH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE SURVEY and 20th CENTURY BUILDINGS REGISTER which cites CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS 2389, 5.1.1919__________________________________________________HERITAGE BRANCH, MINISTRY FOR PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT 1987 CITY OF MELBOURNE CENTRAL CITY NOTABLE BUILDINGS CITATIONSSTATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEA highly unusual mannered building, the Display Block was designed by its owner, Lesley A Vail, who rejected the plans presented to him by the respected architect, Nahum Barnet, It was built in 1921 as an office building and Vail's rejection of contemporary architectural taste resulted in a significant art-nouveau design.__________________________________________________NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (VIC)https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/65240A highly unusual mannered building, the Display Block was designed by its owner, Lesley A Vail, who rejected the plans presented to him by the respected architect, Nahum Barnet. It was built in 1912 as an office building and Vail's rejection of contemporary architectural taste resulted in a significant art-nouveau design.Classified: 06/06/1994__________________________________________________NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1921The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Wednesday 16 March 1921 - Page 4https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242259585DISPLAY BLOCK A UNIQUE BUILDINGA building, somewhat unique in many of Its constructional features, and; which represents a new departure in business methods is approaching completion in Little Collins street, at the corner of the lane which leads to the Block in Collins street. It is called the "Display Block," and occupies a site which has a 27ft. frontage to Little Collins street, and a depth of 60ft, making a total urea of 1620ft. The building is of eight stories, and is constructed of reinforced concrete. The great height of the building, compared with the small area on which it stands, makes it suggestive of the skyscrapers; of New York.The plan is an Interesting example of' what can do done on a small space. In the first place a building giving the accommodation which has been provided ample fight and ventilation could only be erected on a corner. In the second place the constructional design was only practicable in reinforced concrete.The ground floor is practically a vestibule, open on two sides. The main entrance is from Little Collins street, and there are two side entrances. Island shop windows, set back from the building line, are spaced along the 60ft. frontage. .The facade is carried on five piers 3ft back from the building line, and the overhanging wall is supported on cantilevers. Along the inside wall 'tire three stalls; tho first (near the .front entrance) for the sale of confections and sweets, the second for toilet requisites, and the third for a florist's counter.The first floor— immediately over the vestibule is intended for a tea room. It is being artistically decorated and furnished, and access to it is provided by an easy staircase. The idea in devoting the first floor to the cafe business is that as it will attract the greatest number of customers the demand on the elevator thus will be reduced. There are 15 shops above the first floor to be served by the elevator, which is of spacious size, and travels at a speed of 250ft a minute. The average speed in Melbourne is 180ft.The building is to be exclusively confined to businesses that cater for the needs of women — ladles' apparel and accessories. There will be about 20 tenants, comprising two or three milliners, a couple of costumiers, two shops for the sale of lingerie, and one each for gloves, hosiery, boots, bridal outfits, society stationery, woollen goods, hair dressing and other businesses which provide for feminine requirements.Each tenant will be allowed to show space in the Island windows and restricted to what can be shown..The Australian Jewish Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1920 - 1933)Friday 30 September 1921 - Page 5https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/261012073DISPLAY BLOCK.This is the name given to that new eight story building at the corner of Little Collins street and Block Place. It is of particular interest to ladies, inasmuch as the whole of the premises, right from the ground floor to the roof, is devoted solely to the sale of feminine requisites. In fact, it is a Lady’s Building. The elaborate and efficient system of show windows throughout the vestibule and along the two frontages is used by the various tenants to display their goods, and the prettily decorated lift quickly transfers the shop per to the shop above.The DISPLAY BLOCK is becoming known as one of Melbourne Homes of Fashion, and exclusive articles are constantly on view. We notice that a particular feature of this institution is the DISPLAY BLOCK CAFE, which is situated on the first floor, and only a few steps from the Vestibule itself. This Tearoom is controlled by the DISPLAY BLOCK PTY., LTD., and is installed with the idea of encouraging shoppers who appreciate high-class goods, and to supply a restful atmosphere, where Refreshments can be obtained at moderate prices, to the tired shopper. We notice that they are introducing some horned features on their menu, and such things as Hot Scones and Honey and Pancakes and Cream cannot be obtained m every other Tearoom. The management makes a speciality of catering for entertainment Teas, and the congenial surroundings, together with the particularly quick service, are rather helpful in the matter of meeting your friends toy appointment in the City, where conversation is not interfered with by the usual noises heard in Cafes. On going through the Building, we notice that there is only one Ladies’ Bootery, and one Glove and Hosiery Shop. These two businesses, pay particular attention to the class of goods necessary for this shopping centre, and are making a particularly fine show in their Display Windows. All Ladies interested in the up-to-date fashions as seen in Melbourne should not delay in looking’ over this rather novel and what seems to be successful collection of modish shops.1922DISPLAY BLOCK FIRST ANNUAL DINNER.A NEW DEPARTURE.see https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/147419581see also https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1467199791923NEW BUILDINGS REPLACE OLDLittle Collins street is coming Into Its own with the erection of such fine buildings as tho Display Block and Union House…DISPLAY BLOCK FOR SALE….City Properties at Auction.DISPLAY BLOCK PASSED IN AT £47.500.The Display Block, a- modern seven-storey reinforced concrete, building at the corner of Little Collins-street and Block-place, was offered at auction yesterday
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Research and reports
Record number:
1254061
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 105927 | 1 PDF : 1590 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |