Allgas Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allgas Building |
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Allgas Building, 2018
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| Location | South Bank Parklands, South Brisbane, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1885 |
| Official name: Allgas Building, Caledonian House, Queensland National Bank, South Brisbane Gas & Light Co. Building | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600295 |
| Significant period | 1885-1942 (fabric) 1885-1893 (Allan and Stark) 1897-1965 (QNB) 1897-1984 (South Brisbane Gas and |
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The Allgas Building is a historic commercial building in South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1885. This building is also known by other names, like Caledonian House and the South Brisbane Gas & Light Co. Building. It is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of Queensland's history.
Contents
History of the Allgas Building
Early Days and Floods
The Allgas Building was built in 1885. It was first made for a clothing company called Allan & Stark. This was a busy time for South Brisbane. Many new businesses were opening on Stanley Street. The building showed how confident people were about the area's growth.
However, in 1893, big floods hit Brisbane. Allan & Stark moved their business to higher ground. They went to Queen Street, across the river. After this, the building was leased to the Queensland National Bank in 1897. The South Brisbane Gas & Light Company also rented a part of the building.
Changes in Ownership
In 1909, the Queensland National Bank bought the building. The South Brisbane Gas & Light Company kept its office and showroom there. In 1931, the building was updated. Architects Hall and Phillips added a new awning and changed the shop front. The building was made even bigger in 1942.
During World War II, the bank branch closed in 1943. A shirt and pyjama maker rented the space until 1949. Later, in 1949, the bank's maintenance staff moved back in. In 1965, the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company bought the building. This company later became Allgas Energy in 1971.
Modern Use
In 1984, the building was taken over by the Expo Authority. It was renamed Central House. During Expo '88, it was used as a bank again. It also had a restaurant called Picasso.
The building was renovated in 1991. This was part of the South Bank Parklands redevelopment. Today, it is used as an administration centre. Most of the inside of the building has changed over time. However, the front of the building still looks much like it did originally.
What the Building Looks Like
The Allgas Building is a two-storey building. It is made of brick with a smooth, painted finish. It has a flat roof hidden by a decorative wall called a parapet. The front of the building is very detailed and stands out.
Outside Decorations
The front of the building, especially the upper part, is richly decorated. There is a thick band, called a string course, that separates the first and second floors. Above this, there is a decorative ledge, or cornice. On top of the cornice are small triangular shapes called pediments and a tiny balustrade (a row of small pillars).
The building has groups of three windows. These windows have rough-looking stone frames, called rusticated surrounds. The windows line up with the pediments and decorative supports under the cornice. Paired windows have tall, flat columns next to them, called pilasters. These pilasters have fancy tops, known as floriated capitals, decorated with flower designs. At one corner, the building's front is cut short above the ground floor. This part has an arched pediment with the year 1885 carved into it.
Even though the inside has changed, the Allgas Building still keeps its original shape and the beautiful decorations on its front.
Why the Building is Important
The Allgas Building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it meets several important rules.
Part of Queensland's History
The building's beautiful front is like a piece of history. It shows what Stanley Street looked like in the late 1800s. Stanley Street was a very important business street in South Brisbane back then. The Allgas Building is one of the few remaining examples of the busy commercial and shipping area of South Brisbane from that time.
Unique and Special
This building is special because it's a rare reminder of South Brisbane's past. It shows what the business and shipping center of the area was like in the late 19th century.
Beautiful Design
The front of the building is very pretty and well-designed. It helps us imagine the old streetscape of Stanley Street.
Connected to Important Groups
The Allgas Building has a strong connection to Allan & Stark. This company was once one of Brisbane's most important retail businesses.
