73 York Street, Sydney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 73 York Street |
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73 York Street, located on the right hand side of the road, to the left of 71 York Street. National House is to the left of 73 York Street.
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| Location | 73 York Street, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1892– |
| Architect | Herbert S. Thompson (attributed) |
| Architectural style(s) | Victorian Mannerist |
| Official name: Hardware House; Henley House; ICLE House; Monte Paschi House; Cassa Commerciale | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 580 |
| Type | Commercial Office/Building |
| Category | Commercial |
| Builders | Mr Jenkins |
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73 York Street is a special old building in Sydney, Australia. It used to be a warehouse, which is a big building for storing goods. Now, it's an office building. It was built around 1892. People think a designer named Herbert S. Thompson created it.
This building is also known by several other names, like Henley House and Hardware House. It's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it's an important historical site that needs to be protected.
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Building History
This building was constructed around 1892. It started as a five-story warehouse with a basement. The design is thought to be by Herbert S. Thompson. The outside of the building is a great example of the Victorian Mannerist style. This was a very fancy and detailed way of building things back then.
The first businesses to use the building were Alcock Brothers Ltd. They were importers and sold soft goods in large amounts. The building was described as a brick warehouse with a slate roof. It had six floors and six "rooms."
Over the years, the building has had many different tenants. Some famous ones include W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works, the Australian Red Cross Society, and the Boy Scouts Association of NSW.
Around 1980 or 1981, the building changed a lot. It was turned from a warehouse into offices and even a restaurant. Because of these changes, the building has been known by different names over time. After 1910, it was called Henley House for a while. More recently, it has been known as Hardware House, ICLE House, Monte Paschi House, and Cassa Commerciale.
In April 2014, a company called Fife Capital bought the property.
What the Building Looks Like
73 York Street is a tall, narrow building. It has five main floors and a basement. The bottom part of the building is made of a rough-looking material called stucco. It has three tall, arched doorways.
The front of the building is very detailed and fancy. It uses a mix of brick and stucco. The middle parts of the first, second, and third floors stick out. They have special shapes and small decorative tops called pediments. The very top floor has a decorative ledge and a stepped wall above it. This wall also has columns and another pediment.
All these details, including the painted stucco, brick, and fancy decorations, make the building look very grand and rich. The windows are tall and made of timber. Inside, the building originally had a row of cast iron columns. These columns supported steel beams. Most of these columns have been removed over time.
How the Building Has Changed
The outside of 73 York Street was in good condition in 2015. Most of the front, except for the ground floor, still looks like it did originally. However, the inside of the building has changed a lot. This happened as it was updated from a warehouse to offices and shops.
Here are some of the main changes:
- A modern lift and fire escape were built along the north wall. New bathrooms were also added.
- Most of the original cast iron columns on each floor were removed. This made the floors more open. Only four cast iron columns remain in the basement.
- Old building plans show an open space, like a light well, on the south side. Plans from 1909 show this space was later closed off.
- The back wall, which faces the light well, probably dates from 1909. The aluminium windows in it were likely added around the 1980s.
- Much of the original wooden floor structure, including the floorboards and beams, is still there.
- Old inside finishes, like ceilings and plastered walls, have been taken out and replaced. But some of the original window frames on York Street are still there.
Why This Building Is Important
73 York Street is important for a few reasons.
First, it's beautiful to look at. It's a wonderful example of the very fancy buildings from the late Victorian period. This was a time when Sydney was growing fast and people built grand structures. Not many buildings like it are left in Sydney, which makes it even more special. It adds a lot to the interesting look of York Street.
Second, it has historical importance. It's a rare example of a very grand city warehouse. These buildings were designed to show that businesses were strong and successful. This was especially true during a time of great wealth before a big economic downturn in 1893. The building still has four of its original cast-iron columns inside. Most of the original wooden floor structure is also still there.
Heritage Listing
Hardware House, also known as 73 York Street, was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is recognized as an important historical site that should be preserved.
