231 George Street, The Rocks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 231 George Street, The Rocks |
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231 George Street, The Rocks, New South Wales (centre of photo)
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| Location | 231 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1914–1915 |
| Architectural style(s) | Federation Free Classical |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: Commercial building | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1540 |
| Type | Other - Residential Buildings (private) |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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231 George Street is a special old office building located at The Rocks in Sydney, Australia. It's considered a "heritage-listed" building, which means it's important to history and protected. This building was constructed between 1914 and 1915. Today, it is owned by Property NSW, which is a part of the Government of New South Wales. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002.
Contents
Building's Past: A Look Back
This section explores the interesting history of 231 George Street.
Early Days of the Site
The land where 231 George Street stands was once part of the original Parade Ground for the early colony. A man named Robert Howe claimed this land. He did this because his father had been promised a land grant by Governor Macquarie. From 1824 to 1828, Robert Howe and the Sydney Gazette newspaper office used buildings on this site. These buildings faced both George Street and Grosvenor Street.
From House to Office Building
By 1848, the part of the land facing George Street had a house and some shops. A watchmaker named Mr. Dawson lived in the house from 1848 until about 1862. The house stayed mostly the same until it was pulled down in 1911 or 1912. This was done to make George Street wider.
Nearby, the new Brooklyn Hotel and the Chamber of Commerce building were finished by late 1912. However, the site of 231 George Street remained empty for a year. It even served as a temporary bar for the Brooklyn Hotel. In early 1915, the City Council still listed the site as just "land." But later that same year, the State Metal Quarries were listed as tenants in a new four-storey brick building with an iron roof. This means 231 George Street was most likely built in 1914 or 1915.
Modern Changes and Renovations
In the 1980s, plans began to develop this area, which included 231 George Street. A big project called Grosvenor Place started in 1984 and finished in 1988. This project involved fixing up several old buildings, including 231 George Street.
In 1987, more work began on nearby buildings like Royal Naval House. Then, in 1989, 231 George Street and two other historic buildings were renovated. They were turned into bars and restaurants.
What Does 231 George Street Look Like?
This building is a narrow, four-storey office building. It fits right between the Johnson's Building and the Brooklyn Hotel.
Building Features
The building is made of brick and sandstone. It has a special window that sticks out, called a bay window. At the very top, there's a triangular shape with a checkerboard pattern. This is called a pediment.
- Style: Federation Free Classical
- Storeys: Four floors
- Roof: Covered with iron
- Floors: Made with timber frames
When the building was renovated in 1989, most of its inside was changed. Only the front part, called the façade, remains from the original building.
Updates and Changes Over Time
In the late 1980s, major work was done to this group of buildings. This allowed them to be used for new purposes. The street fronts, including the awnings and shop fronts, were carefully kept. However, the inside of the buildings was changed a lot.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
231 George Street is very important for its history and scientific value in New South Wales. It also adds to the importance of The Rocks area, which is a significant heritage site itself.
A Group of Important Buildings
As a group, the buildings in this area (Federation Hall, Royal Naval House, Johnson's Building, 231 George Street, and Brooklyn Hotel) are very significant. All their fronts make the whole group look rich and interesting. Royal Naval House is the main focus, and the Johnson's Building leads nicely around the corner. Then, 231 George Street and the Brooklyn Hotel finish the scene.
The trees in the area also add to the beauty of the buildings. These buildings, as a group, are like a landmark. They are located at an important corner, marking an entry point to The Rocks.
Unique Features of 231 George Street
231 George Street is an Edwardian building built in the Federation Free Style. It has a very tall, narrow front facing George Street. It connects the Johnson's Building and the Brooklyn Hotel with its similar style and materials. Its special bay window, which is arched at the top, and the triangular pediment with a checkerboard design, make it a key part of this important corner group of buildings.
The commercial building was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002, because it met certain important standards.
Historical Significance
This building and its site are important for showing the history of New South Wales. The land was once part of the colony's original Parade Ground. How the site has been used over time shows how the area has grown and changed. The renovations in the late 20th century also show how new developments can be made while still respecting old buildings.
Aesthetic Value and Design
231 George Street is a great example of the Federation Free Style. Its tall, narrow front and unique bay window with the checkerboard pediment make it stand out. It helps connect the look of the Johnson's Building and the Brooklyn Hotel.
The group of buildings together has a lot of beauty. Their fronts create a rich and interesting look. They are a landmark at a major intersection, welcoming people to The Rocks.
Research Potential
Because the building was heavily renovated in 1989, only the front part is original. There was also a lot of digging under the building. This means there isn't much left for archaeological research. However, the site is still valuable for studying how architectural styles change and how old buildings can be given new uses.
