Athenaeum Club Building, later Block Court and arcade, 288-292 Collins Street, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme1985
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Title:
Athenaeum Club Building, later Block Court and arcade, 288-292 Collins Street, Melbourne
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Date of work:
1985
Reference number:
BIF-CITY 102141 1
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
Type of materials:
Graphic materialsTextual material
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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Period: VictorianConstruction date: 1891.ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER:.GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYStatement of SignificanceHistoryBuilt as the Athenaeum Club Building, (plus ground-level shops), it was built in the name of club secretary, James H. Moorhead, to the design of William Salway, and on land leased from W.J. Lobb. The contractor was J. Gillespie of Fitzroy. Occupiers listed in the 1890s' directories are limited to the Club (288) and appropriate shop holders, such as tobacconists or hairdressers, filling the 292 Collins Street address. Among them were George Roberts and Montague Levy and, in the late 1890s, the chemist, George Swift, moved from Swanston Street to provide a second retailer at the club entrance. Swift was there into the 1920s, accompanied by Blight & Shannon's tea rooms, which superseded the various hairdressing businesses at (290).After near 40 years of peaceful club life, John Lobb's estate sold the building to the Hotham Estate, Pty. Ltd. (1929), commencing a new, comparatively brash existence as leased offices over a ground-floor zig-zag Moderne styled arcade. The club sought new premises further east in Collins Street and in its place Block Court housed mainly women's clothing makers and retailers. Ye Old Dutch Tea & Coffee House was in the basement and the two main shops at the Collins Street arcade entry were Treasure Chest, lingerie, and the Block Bag Shoppe. In the arcade itself were the Nic Nac gift shop, Daddy Long Legs lingerie, Claire the Milliner (with workroomsupstairs), plus the generally French-named dressmaking and lingerie firms who populated the four upper floors.Harry A. Norris designed the arcade renovation, in 1930, as an annexe to the Block Arcade. Although not the only arcade to be either cut through an old building or built new in the 1930s, (see Manchester Unity arcade), this arcade possesses the most integrity to its period and feeds from the distinct character of the adjacent block.DescriptionA five-storey cemented facade in an Italian Renaissance revival manner, but utilizing English Queen Anne motifs, such as the scrolled pediments at second floor level and ox-bow motifs at the centre top window. The Tudor nature of the window frames, both in their main toplight configuration and their bayed profile, also hints at the mixture of Renaissance and Medieval motifs, characterized by the English Queen Anne style. At theparapet, two raised entablatures exist beside a centre balustraded motif. Within each is a potted sunflower andabove, a sun motif. Swags ornament the entablature of the top window bays, whilst segment-arched pediments surmount the next level. Balconies over window oriels then extend for the balance of the facade, with leaded light patterns in the upper sashes of the first level windows. Here an unusual combination of arch and rectangular opening is provided on the two flanking windows.The ground level has been totally refinished in 1930, and takes on this era, except for subsequent alterations. The arcade is finished with brass shopfront joinery, set over terrazzo plinths with ornate jazz moderne fibrous plasterwork in the ceiling. The floor is finished with a terrazzo with geometric border, again in the jazz moderne manner. Off the main Arcade is a minor lift lobby, with original lift door and architrave, with the sign `LIFT'painted in gold outline on a marble board over the head. Above that again is a Tenants' Directory, again painted on white marble, with a number of faded names attached, as divided into First, Second and Third Floor columns. Adjacent to that is a Buchan marble dado and white marble stair, leading up to the office floors. A faded signhere reads, `LOITERERS AND HAWKERS NOT ALLOWED.'The Arcade is an impressive example of 1930 French inspired ornamentation, with all aspects generally intact. This extends to a pair of brass framed telephone booths at the Block Arcade entrance to Block Court and a massive concrete faceted sign, spelling the Court's name. Underneath is an illuminated display with stepped borders and stepped ends.External IntegrityArcade plinths at Collins Street have been replaced with tiles, in place of marble. The western-most shopfront has been entirely refaced c1960, but elements of the original shopfront remain. Cast cement sign, similar to thatat the Arcade entrance, faces onto Collins Street again spelling out the name, with Chevron motifs and extended brackets in the jazz moderne manner.SignificanceThe most complete 1930s Moderne arcade surviving in Melbourne, set under a more pedestrian but extensive late 19th Century facade, which contributes to an important 19th Century streetscape and was built and occupied as the Melbourne Athenaeum Club..GRAEME BUTLER 1985 MELBOURNE CENTRAL ACTIVITIES DISTRICT CONSERVATION STUDYBUILDING IDENTIFICATION FORM cites 78, 78A John & Phyllis Murphy Pty. Ltd. Architects. Historic buildings study of part of the C.B.D. Melbourne. (part 1) 1976 Report to the Historic Buildings Preservation Council covering the area bounded by Little Collins, Flinders, Spring and Elizabeth Sts.,3;Victoria Illustrated: 87; CITY OF MELBOURNE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS 4544.LEWIS, M- AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE INDEXRecord 74638 Salway, S; Moorhouse, - Melbourne VIC Clubs; Shops Gillespie, J - Fergie St Fitzroy 1890 07 11 4544, MCC registration no 4544 [Burchett Index]. Fee 9.10.0 Athenaeum Club & Shops.NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954)Saturday 10 January 1891 - Page 20https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220471535New Buildings This Year...On an adjoining block Mr. Salway is erecting new quarters for the Athenaeum Club, five stories high, the accepted contractor's tenderstanding at £18,550..The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Tuesday 29 September 1891 - Page 6https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/8637081THE ATHENÆUM CLUB. THE NEW PREMISES.The popularity of the Melbourne Athenæum Club having become very great, and its membership having increased very largely, it was felt that it had outgrown the accommodation afforded at the premises heretofore occupied on the south side of Collins-street. The offer of Mr. James Moorhead to provide new premises for the club on the other side of the street, almost directly opposite the present premises was therefore accepted. Competitive designs for the most suitable building were invited, and those of Mr. W. Salway, F.R.I.B.A. (London), were accepted, and have been carried out. About 14 months ago a contract was let to Mr. J. Gillespie who did the major portion of the work, but he died about four months since, and the contract has been completed by Messrs. Law Oldfield and Co. The building is of five stories in height, and the street elevation though not ornate is of tasteful design, and forms a pleasing addition to the street architecture. It is of Hawthorn brick, tuck-pointed, and enriched with coloured cement. In keeping probably with the character of its membership the building is designed rather for comfort and solidity than for show. It provides the most ample accommodation for a large membership. In the basement there are a dining room, 42ft x 20ft., for strangers, and also two large smoking- rooms and a private dining-room. The ground floor entrance from Collins-Street is by way of a handsome, lofty hall and lobby. Immediately opposite the entrance is the members' dining-room, 70ft. x 30ft. This room is well lighted, and large mirrors and tasteful drapings give it a bright, cheerful appearance. A notable feature is the ceiling of moulded zinc, with cornices of the same material. This is a style of ceiling which is likely to become popular. It lends itself freely to decoration, is safer and more ornamental than bare plaster, and it offers a strong resistance to fire. On the same floor is the members' bar - a fine room, with solid dado in two colours of wood highly polished. A broad, hand- some staircase gives access to the upper rooms to those who do not care to trust themselves to the lift, which is furnished with all the latest safety appliances. On the first floor is found the reading-room, which will be the chief resort of members. This room is 40ft. x 35ft. and it has two oriel windows overlooking Collins-streetThe decorations are quiet in tone, and the furnishing is in dark leather, suggestive of comfort and durability. Close at hand is the library, 25ft. x 18ft. In this flat there is a billiard room, provided with two tables and all the most modern equipments. The tables are lighted by very handsome combinations in brass work for both electric light and gas. On the first floor there are also three very cosy little card rooms where whist parties may enjoy themselves without interruption. On the second floor there is a private dining room 38ft. x 20ft., and another billiard room with one table, where a private game may be indulged in. On this floor there are a number of bedrooms, the total number in the establishment being 35. Marble baths are provided at convenient intervals and on every floor there are handsomely-fitted and specially-ventilated lavatories. The kitchen in such an establishment is a place second to none in importance, and this fact has been duly recognised. It is on the top floor, and is provided with a magnificent range, and has ample ventilation. Close at hand is a spiral stairway of iron for escape, and also two goods elevators. The architect is to be congratulated on having made such a use of the space at his disposal as to pro- vide ample accommodation without either waste or crowding. The lighting has been very cleverly arranged, so as to give the place a bright inviting appearance. The decorations are harmonious in tone, whilst displaying much variety of treatment. The furnishings are most luxurious. Everywhere the foot sinks deep in rich carpets from the colouring of which all staring obtrusive ugliness is absent. The work has been thoroughly well executed by the contractors. The gas-fittings were supplied by Messrs. Wilson, Corben, and Co.; the zinc ceilings by W. H. Rocke and Co.; the kitchen appliances and ranges by Mr. Edwin Jenkins ; and the cabinet work and fittings by Mr. G. W. Bell. The cost of the building and furnishing has been about £35 000See also https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/241571307Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939)Friday 2 October 1891 - Page 11His Excellency dines with members of the Athenaeum Club. Tomorrow His Excellency attends the Hunt Club racesat Flemington, and gives his annual hunting dinner in the evening..The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Wednesday 26 February 1930 - Page 13https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244475363REAL PROPERTY AND ARCHITECTUREBlock Court, Collins StreetPlans for Shopping Arcade Many architectural changes have been made on "The Block" in recent years, owing to new property owners and tenants desiring modern premises for modern requirements. The latest building affected by this trend is the old Athenaeum Club. The remodelling of this building and the construction of a new shopping arcade should be of great public interest. Collins Street will be connected with the Elizabeth Street Block Arcade by means of a thoroughfare, 12 feet in width, serving nine shops. This scheme will be the embodiment of the latest ideas from America and the Continent. The shops will be naturally lighted and ventilated. There will be mezzanine galleries to the larger ones. The ceiling will be painted in the modern manner and will be lighted with concealed reflectors, the aim of the architect being to produce natural daylight as nearly as possible. A feature of the scheme will be the use of glass mosaic tiles for the floor of the arcade laid in pat tern with multi-colors; the same kind of tiles will continue up the stall boards of the shops, giving a broad feeling and increasing the apparent width. Collins Street entrance will be treated with terra cotta, and the entrance "motif" will have splayed reveals of ornamental bronze and colored glasses, attention being given to the color scheme of these various materials to produce a harmonious whole, both externally and internally. The upper floors have been modernised and subdivided into offices served by a new electric elevator from the Arcade. The existing internal walls throughout will be abolished, and new structural steel and reinforced concrete floors are to be provided over the basement and ground floor. Entrance to the basement will be from the centre of the Arcade at the side of the elevator. This basement will cover the whole area of the site, and will be mechanically ventilated. Two new staircases are being provided to the full height of the build ing, finished with marble treads and risers and marble dadoes. The new arcade will have direct access to the present Block Arcade, one of the existing shops in the Elizabeth Street portion being abolished to give entrance to the new arcade. This means that the Block, from Elizabeth Street, will have two arcades leading to Collins Street. The converted .building will be called "Block Court."The architect for the scheme Is Mr. Harry A. Norrls, Nicholas Building, 32 Swanston Street. Melbourne.Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954)Friday 5 September 1930 - Page 4https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/51660858Work at "Block Court"Structural ProblemsPractical knowledge of the specialist is of great importance in connection with the altering of existing buildings. The actual work involved is not so simple as results; often there are difficult problems to be solved. An example is provided by the operations now being carried out at the old Athenaeum Club building, 288 Collins-street, .Melbourne, which, after extensive alterations, costing approximately £30,000, is to be named "Block Court." The problem there was to alter the existing levels, fireproof the ground and first floors, and remove the heavy masonry base, so as to create a shopping arcade. The third item presented the most difficulties, as the following existing conditions had to be carefully considered:-(a) On account of the heavy masonry base, 3ft. thick, having to be removed, the four upper storeys, including floor loads weighing some 180 tons, had to be properly supported by means of 12in. x 12in. Oregon struts resting on a 12in. x 4in. continuous foot-plate, and at the top supporting No. 2 16 x 6 R.S.J. needles. The Collins-street front of the build ing is consistent with others built at that period, oriel windows adorning the facade. These windows had to be carried on 9in. x 7in. R.S.J. cantilevers, tailed some 16ft. into the building. To complete the supporting part of the operation, 12in. x 12in. raking shores were built up at each end of the building, to prevent it front leaning forward. This tendency was accentuated by the projection of the oriel windows. Theory and Practice The next step was to remove the masonry base, consisting of three large segmental arches. It is well known in theory that if the keystone of an arch is removed the remaining voussoirs will collapse. To carry this out in practice with a 3ft. thick bluestone wall, the arches having been In posi tion some forty years, is a different matter. The procedure adopted here was to put a jack under the keystone, and, usinll a pressure of 20 tons, force the keystone out of position. The remaining arch stones were then sup ported on a temporary centre, and re moved at leisure.The new girders designed to carry this 184 tons of superstructure consisted of No. 4 24-inch x 7 ½ in. plated R.S.J.'s, each weighing 100lb, a running foot. They were raised in position, and the setting was adjusted by means of jacks; the concrete beds they rested on were of quick-setting cement. The whole operation was carried out without impairing the existing work.See also https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242751847
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 102141 1 | 1 PDF : 910 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |