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Union Bank Chambers, later A.N.Z. Bank, 353-357 Elizabeth Street & 269-275 La Trobe Street, Melbourne

Butler, Graeme1985

Record details

Title:

Creator:

Butler, Graeme (Name details)

Date of work:

1985

Reference number:

BIF-CITY 103215

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:

Style: Neo-GrecPeriod: Inter-WarConstruction date: 1928Materials: Reinforced concrete (stuccoed).ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2021:.GRAEME BUTLER & ASSOCIATES 2011, CENTRAL CITY (HODDLE GRID) HERITAGE REVIEWStatement of SignificanceWhat is significant?This basement and five storey branch of the Union Bank was completed 1927 on the south western corner of Elizabeth and Latrobe Streets at a cost of £30,000, replacing an earlier bank. The building was constructed by Thompson & Chalmers, to designs by noted architects W & R Butler and Martin. Clive Steele was the engineer for the project. The Union Bank occupied the building until the name change to the parent company, the Australian and New Zealand banking company (ANZ) in 1951.`The Argus' noted that the new building would add to the rapidly improving architectural character of the area where the motor trade (and other retail and wholesale businesses) had grown and prospered and hence created the need for upgraded banking facilities. They noted the modern reinforced concrete fireproof construction , the corner site that allowed good natural light and ventilation, and the generous banking chamber of 55'x22' (rest of the ground floor leased as a shop allowing for expansion). The bank fittings were to include Australian marble on chamber walls, stair and entry dado, rubber or wood block floor finishes. The facades were simply treated in buff shade of cement render (to harmonise with the new Argus building opposite) above a shallow granite plinth, with balconettes extending the full length of both frontages. Embellishment included the iron railing at first floor and the iron lamp standards at the corners of the building.The bank is a handsome and substantially intact example of the interwar Commercial Palazzo style. Key features of the style found here include the division of the façade into a heavy stone-clad base with strong horizontal render banding in the form of smooth rustication, and neutral intermediate floors with vertical window strips (multi-pane, steel framed), all surmounted by a prominent and stylised classical cornice and detailing. The prominent corner location allows for an appreciation of the palazzo form.The entry recess has ornamented borders and panelling and the shopfront at 351 has elements of the original such as the bronze finish framing. The lobby is marble lined (two colours) as is the staircase and polished copper directory cases remain on the lobby walls. The stair has a wreathed blackwood handrail with restrained metal balustersThe building remains in good and near original condition despite application of a large boxed sign over the two facades at the first floor line in place of the corner lamp standards, changes to the entry and addition of air units at upper levels. It has remained in continuous use as a bank since its construction. The bank is contemporary with and visually related to the landmark Argus building on the opposite corner.How is it significant?The former Union Bank is significant historically and aesthetically to the Melbourne Capital City ZoneWhy is it significant?The former Union Bank is of aesthetic significance as a handsome and substantially intact example of a Commercial Palazzo within the Capital City Zone. Historically it has a long association with banking in the northern part of the City (specifically the now defunct Union Bank) and parallels the emergence of a new motor trade in this area requiring larger banking facilities. this was an era when Melbourne City was the nation's capital of finance.The bank is also contemporary with and visually related to the landmark Argus building on the opposite corner..RAWORTH, B 2002. REVIEW OF HERITAGE OVERLAY LISTINGS IN THE CBDfor the City of MelbourneHistory and DescriptionThe five storey branch of the Union Bank was completed c.1928' on the south western corner of Elizabeth and LaTrobe Streets at a cost of £30,000. The building was constructed by Thompson & Chalmers, to designs by noted architects W & R Butler and Martine. Clyde Steele was the engineer for the project.The building is a handsome and substantially intact example of an interwar Commercial Palazzo. Key features of the style found here include the vertical tripartite division of the facade into a heavy base with horizontal banding and neutral intermediate floors surmounted by a prominent classical cornice. The prominent corner location allows for an appreciation of the palazzo form Despite the addition of some inappropriate signage and air conditioning units, the building remains in good and very original condition. It has remained in continuous use as a bank since its construction.Statement of SignificanceThe ANZ Bank at 353-57 Elizabeth Street is of aesthetic significance at a local level as a handsome and substantially intact example of a Commercial Palazzo within the Melbourne CBD..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites Yuncken Freeman Architects P/L 1976.. Historic Buildings Preservation Council Melbourne CBD Study Area 5 (82), page 39: dates as 1928 built for Union Bank, not historic. Not Recommended to the Historic Buildings register..CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONSBuilding Permit Application 1926, 9088: 9/11/1926 `erection of new premises' ₤30,000;.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)RVIAJ March 1939 image of Collins St branch Modern style `dignified façade in well-chosen brick and granite Architects WR Butler & Pettitt.`The Argus': Thursday 8 June 1922tenders invited for new banking premises for the Union Bank of Australia Ltd by Walter & Richard Butler, William St…quantities by Anderson, Alexander and May.Saturday 16 September 1922Tenders for additions to Fitzroy branch Union BankSaturday 23 June 1923IMPORTANT AUCTION SALE of CITY FREEHOLD HOTEL, SHOPS, and BUILDING SITE.CORNER of ELIZABETH and LATROBE STREETS,occupying a Very Fine Central and Improving Business position, Opposite the Recently AcquiredSite by "The Argus" Proprietor for Erection of New Premises, and the Union Bank.TO CITY INVESTORS. HOTEL PROPRIETORS, AND OTHERS.W. F. VALE and Co.CITY OF MELBOURNE.…The Buildings Thereon Comprise- ,THE CITY ARMS HOTEL (at corner), a two and partly three storied brick building, containing bar, parlour, sitting room, large dining room, lounge, kitchen, 27 bedrooms, 3 bathroomThe City Arms is well and favourably known as one of the leading old established hotels with a large, lucrative and well established connection, in a commanding situation, and in a part of the city that ha« great possibilities of further Immediate expansion. The large area of land offers special opportunities for safe Investment in an extensive, up-to-date rebuilding proposition..4/2/1927UNION BANK BUILDING.£30,000 BRANCH OFFICE.Elizabeth Street North Progress….cost est ₤30,000 on sit of existing bank, land allows for a `massive structure' which will add to the rapidly improving architectural character of area where motor trade (and other retail and wholesale businesses) centred- need for upgraded bank. Modern reinforced concrete fireproof construction to have basement and 5 storeys, corner site allows good natural light and ventilation, banking chamber 55x22' with rest of ground as shop allowing for expansion, upper levels to be leased out, fittings to be Australian marble on chamber walls, stair and entry dado, rubber or wood block floor finishes, facades simply treated in buff shade of cement render (to harmonise with the Argus building opposite) above granite plinth, balconettes extends full length of both frontages, iron railing at first floor, iron lamp standards at corners of building, (Engineer: Clive Steele).DIRECTORIES OF VICTORIA, MELBOURNE-SANDS AND KENNY, SANDS & MCDOUGALL1930-35 Union Bank Chambers;….Berry Roche & Tamac, motor accessories...Bishop Bros Pty Ltd, publishers...D. D. Donaldson, Caretaker1935 -39 A. J. Ferguson, radio manufacturer..Miss O. Dixon.. Confr..E.W. Moyes, mnfrs agt..W.H. Sweeting Pty Ltd, mnfrs agt..Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce..Bishop Bros Pty Ltd, publishers…Stock Geo. E..,manfrs' agent..D. D. Donaldson, Caretaker1939 -1945 Union Bank Chambers;Union Bank of Australia Ltd..A. J. Ferguson, radio manufacturer..J.R. Hancock Pty Ltd, mnfrs agents..E.W. Moyes, mnfrs agt..Bishop Bros Pty Ltd, publishers…Coach & Motorbody Builder, Decorator & Painter..Stock Geo. E..,manfrs' agent..D. D. Donaldson, Caretaker.

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City of Melbourne

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