Way, A. G., & Co Factory, offices, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme01/01/1985
Archives
Total copies: 1
Title:
Way, A. G., & Co Factory, offices, 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne
Creator:
Date of work:
01/01/1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 100162 1
Level of description:
Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materials
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:
ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER:Building created: 1923Period: Inter-War.RBA Architects 2013, City North Heritage Review:HistoryThe site corresponds to Crown Allotment no. 11 (section B), which was purchased in 1858 by B McKenzie, and about half of the adjoining allotment 10, purchased by J. August. 171 The area of both allotments was less than the standard quarter acre block.By the early 1890s the land had been developed and was comprised of four separate sites, all with masonry buildings: nos 217, 219, 221 and 223.172 No. 217 was defined as a shed, and consisted of a small brick front section and large timber rear section. The three adjoining buildings at nos 219-223 were probably houses, though they may have been individually constructed as they had differing footprints. They each had a small garden to the front and a much larger rear yard with a closet to the back lane. No. 223 was located on the lland that is now the laneway to the west side of the building.By the early 1920s the earlier building at no. 217, the rear part of which had been extended to the west boundary, was occupied by the A. G. Way foundry. The company also occupied the adjacent single storey building at no. 219. To the west, the adjacent single storey building at no. 221 was still standing and the two storey building at no. 223 was being used by a grocer. 173By 1923 the site had been completely acquired by A. G. Way & Co. and in December of that year they applied for a permit to construct the existing factory building. The architects were the eminent practice of Walter and Richard Butler, then located at 84 William Street, Melbourne. The builder was F. Frencham of Northcote, who completed the work by the end of 1924. The original drawings indicate that multi-paned windows were employed and that a door way at either end of the façade was intended with a small canopy above. 174 It is not certain if the eastern doorway was constructed in that location as a later photograph shows a doorway further west (third bay from the east), with what was probably the original detailing. 175The firm of Walter and Richard Butler was formed in 1919 after Walter (1864-1949), who had been practising as a solo operator (although he had previously been in partnerships), brought in his nephew. Walter Butler began his career as a staunch supporter of the tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement and was among the most eminent architects practising in Melbourne during the early part of the 20th century. He is particularly noted for his residences and ecclesiastical buildings, mainly for the Anglican Church, however the firm of Walter and Richard Butler designed many commercial buildings, especially branches of the Union Bank.A. G. Way & Co. occupied the site at least until the early 1950s and they specialised in dairy utensils including milk and cream cans. 176 Their operations encompassed a wide range of metalworking activities including sheet metal, soldering, welding (oxy, arc and spot), tinning, and galvanising. 177The building was damaged by fire in 1979 and repair works were required to the value of $180, 000.178 During the mid-1980s it was used a car auction centre. 179 In 1990 it was substantially modified to accommodate a new use.180.References cited:171 Township Plan, Melbourne North M314(10)172 MMBW Plan 25(1894) and detail plan 1024 (1895)173 Mahlstedt Fire Insurance Plan, map 11A (1923-28 series, section 2 north, version 1[unaltered]174 Building Application no 5, 565: VPRS 11,200/P1/Unit 662 and VPRS11,201/P1/Unit 73175 Karl Halla, 'Franklin Street between William Street and Queen Street', 1960-70 (Picture Victoria, ID 18,728)176 The Argus, 17 September 1936, p18 and The Argus, 21 September 1950, p43177 The Argus, 20 December 1948, p34178 Building Application Index, VPRS11,202179 Refer to image on Building Identification Form from Graeme Butler & Associates, Central Activities District Conservation Study180 Building Application Index, VPRS11,202
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Record types:
Research and reports
Record number:
1179268
| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 100162 1 | 1JPEG : 233 KB ; A4 | Single Item (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |