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Physical Description

The building is adjoined to the west by the Housing Board building, 120 Gloucester Street, and neighboured by the Bushells building to the immediate south. The building is a typical example of the Federation Warehouse style. Located on a street corner, the site rises from east to west. The building comprises a ground floor, four upper levels, and a flat trafficable roof. External walls are of load-bearing face brick, laid English bond, framed internally with timber posts and beams with timber floor framing. The Harrington Street facade is symmetrical and is divided into three bays. The original timber frame, double-hung windows are painted and, above the first floor, are set within the recessed wall portions of the two side bays. The window heads are arched. This detailing and window arrangement is also evident on the Essex Street elevation. The exterior of the building is in good condition and retains much of the original integrity and fabric. The interior of the building is also in good condition and retains of a significant portion of original fabric and integrity. (Howard 1994:9)
Style: Federation Warehouse; Storeys: 5; Facade: Load bearing brick, laid English bond.; Side Rear Walls: Load bearing brick, laid English bond.; Floor Frame: Rendered timber/carpet or sheet material.; Ceilings: Patented tile system or battened sheet lining.; Lifts: Art Deco style lift car.

Modifications

1934- A lift and motor room were installed.
1950- A new lift, reinforced concrete with fire door, stair, lobby spaces and toilet facilities were constructed. New entry works and terracotta tiling to the Harrington Street facade were also undertaken. The lift installed in 1934 was removed.
1952- An application to install an awning over the Harrington Street entrance was submitted by A W Edwards.
1962- New partitioning on several levels and mechanical ventilation were installed. A new entry from Essex Street was also added.
1978- Minor maintenance work.
1998- Refurbishment by the SCA.
(Howard 1994: 9)

Condition

Archaeological Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. Assessment Basis: Floors terraced into hill slope.

History

Until c.1840, there had been no development on Harrington Street nor on Essex Street. The original site on which this building now stands initially extended to Gloucester Street. The site of 117-119 Harrington Street was part of a site tenanted by Alfred Jacques, Edmund Batt, and John Purves. Subdivision of the site took place and the allotments offered at auction on 4 December, 1905. The allotments remained unsold. The property with stables was then tenanted until the end of the decade when it was purchased by G E Crane & Sons. Documents for a warehouse building were submitted to Council and approved in July 1913. Later that year, minor modifications to the plans were submitted to Council by architects Spain & Cosh. The building was erected c.1914. In February 1950, the architectural firm Crane & Scott submitted drawings to Council to convert the warehouse to an office building. In 1962, the building was purchased by the Australian Society of Accountants and subsequently tenanted. The SCRA resumed the the building in November 1970 and the building was vacated in October 1971. In the 1980s, a proposal was put forward which included the demolition of 117-119 Harrington Street, 120 Gloucester Street, and the Bushells Building, to create a park and high rise development, but did not go ahead. (Howard 1994: 8-9) The building is currently empty and will be refurbished by the SHFA.

[Archaeology History - Partially covered by grant to James, George and Edward Chapman as Lot 9, Section 63 on 6 November 1835 and by grant of Lot 9A, Section 63 to Edward Hunt of 9 October 1838].

Internet links

Webpage	Source
Accountants House	Attraction Homepage

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