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David Cohen & Co. Warehouse facts for kids
| David Cohen & Co. Warehouse | |
|---|---|
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| Location | 48-50 Bolton Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1901– |
| Architect | Frederick B. Menckens |
| Owner | Newcastle City Council |
| Official name: Bolton Street Car Park Facade & Side Wall; David Cohen Warehouse | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 66 |
| Type | Warehouse/storage area |
| Category | Commercial |
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The David Cohen & Co. Warehouse is a special old building in Newcastle, Australia. It's not a full building anymore. Only its front (called a facade) and one side wall are still standing. These parts are now part of the Bolton Street Car Park.
This historic site was designed by Frederick B. Menckens. It was built starting in 1901. It's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's an important part of history.
Contents
A Look at the Warehouse's Past
How the Building Came to Be
The original warehouse was designed by an architect named Frederick Menkens. It was built for David Cohen, a businessman. The building was used as a shipping warehouse. This is where goods were stored before being sent out on ships.
From Warehouse to Car Park
In 1983, the Newcastle Council decided to turn the warehouse into a car park. They knocked down most of the building. Only the front and one side wall were kept. Architects Suters Busteed Corner Clode worked on this change.
At first, the building was going to be completely demolished. But the NSW Government stepped in. They protected it with a special order in 1981. This order later became a listing on the State Heritage Register in 1999. This saved the important parts of the building.
Recent Changes and Future Plans
In 2013, Darren Nicholson bought the car park complex. He worked to fix up the brickwork on the front of the building. Mr. Nicholson also suggested new plans for the site. However, these plans had not happened by 2018.
What Does the Warehouse Look Like?
Unique Design and Materials
The remaining part of the David Cohen & Co. Warehouse is a five-storey front wall. It's made of dark red bricks. Its style is a mix of old and modern designs. Some people describe it as looking like an "ocean liner."
Architecture Newcastle called the building a "brickwork masterpiece." It's five storeys tall. The walls are made of strong bricks. The front of the building is entirely finished with face brickwork. This means the bricks are carefully laid to be seen.
Special Brick Details
The brickwork forms arched openings for windows. It also creates large, strong columns called piers. The details come from the bricks themselves. There are no fancy classical decorations.
The design uses groups of three openings, both up and across. It also looks very tall. The arches are elegant and complete the vertical look of the openings. The top part of the building, called the parapet, has beautifully detailed brick caps and a cornice.
Strong and Impressive
The original warehouse had strong brick walls. Inside, it had timber posts and beams. The front wall looks very strong, almost like a fortress. It has a vertical pattern of columns, windows, and recessed areas. Two narrow cornices (decorative ledges) break up the facade. They are at the first and fourth floor levels.
Why It's Important
This building is important because of its connection to David Cohen. It's also linked to Frederick B. Menkens, a famous architect from the 1800s. Many people say it's the best example of Menkens' work in Australia.
The building adds a lot to the look of the street. It's a key part of the Newcastle skyline. You can see it clearly from the foreshore and Fort Scratchley. The National Trust of Australia called it one of the best Federation-era warehouses in Australia. It even became a guide for other builders using brickwork around 1900.
The building shows Menkens' skill in brick design. It reminds us of Newcastle's busy past. This area was once full of warehouses and shipping offices.
Heritage Listing
The Bolton Street Car Park, including the David Cohen & Co. Warehouse facade, was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.