Harrington's Buildings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harrington's Buildings |
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Harrington's Buildings, now repurposed as Old Sydney Holiday Inn, pictured in 2007.
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| Location | 53 - 65 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1924–1925 |
| Built for | Harrington Limited |
| Architectural style(s) | Industrial Edwardian |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: Old Sydney Holiday Inn; Harrington's Buildings; Old Sydney Park Royal Hotel | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1566 |
| Type | Hotel |
| Category | Commercial |
| Builders | Concrete Constructions Ltd. |
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Harrington's Buildings is a historic building in The Rocks, Sydney, Australia. It was originally built as offices and a store. Today, it is part of the Old Sydney Holiday Inn hotel.
This building is located on George Street in the inner city area of The Rocks. It was constructed between 1924 and 1925 by a company called Concrete Constructions Limited. The property is currently owned by Property NSW, which is an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002, meaning it's an important part of the state's history.
Contents
History of Harrington's Buildings
Early Land Use
The land where Harrington's Buildings stands was first given out as grants in the early 1800s. John Laurie received a grant in 1816, and Robert Campbell received one in 1834.
Before the current building, there were other structures on this site.
- In 1848, George Atherden built three three-storey houses and shops at 53-55 George Street. These were made of brick with shingled roofs. They were taken down between 1914 and 1916.
- Other parts of the land were owned by different people in the late 1800s. These areas were taken over by the Government in 1901. Tenements (apartments) and stables were demolished in 1914 to make way for a widened street.
Construction and Original Owners
The plan for the seven-storey Harrington's Building was approved in May 1923. It was built by Concrete Constructions Pty Ltd. The building was made with a strong concrete frame and covered with bricks. It was finished in 1926.
The original owners of the new building were Harrington Ltd. This company was founded in 1906 by John and Thomas Harrington. They were metallurgists, which means they worked with metals. They were involved in gold mining in Western Australia and later in silver technology for photography. Harrington Ltd merged with another company in the 1990s and is now known as Golden West.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the area around Harrington's Buildings changed.
- To the north, a stone store built in 1844 was demolished in 1920. This made space for Playfair Street to connect to George Street.
- To the south, three stores were built between 1895 and 1918. Harrington Ltd used at least one of these. The name "Harringtons Buildings" was clearly visible on them.
- Some of these older stores were damaged by fire and demolished in 1952-1953. The rest were taken down in 1980. This was to make room for extensions to the Old Sydney Inn.
In 1981, work began to turn Harrington's Buildings into a hotel. The building was partly demolished, and major changes were made inside. It was opened as a 180-room hotel in 1984. This hotel is now known as the Old Sydney Holiday Inn.
Building Design and Condition
Architectural Style
Harrington's Buildings is designed in an Industrial Edwardian style. This means it has a practical, strong look, typical of buildings from the early 1900s.
- Storeys: It has seven floors.
- Facade: The outside walls are made of brick and concrete.
- Roof: The roof is covered with asphalt.
- Floor Frame: The structure holding up the floors is made of concrete.
Current Condition
The building has been partially demolished and changed over time.
Modifications
- Between 1981 and 1984, Harrington's Buildings was partly taken down. The current Old Sydney Park Royal Hotel (now Old Sydney Holiday Inn) was then built, incorporating the original structure.
Why Harrington's Buildings is Important
As of March 2011, Harrington's Buildings is considered important for its historical and scientific value to New South Wales. The building and its location also add to the importance of The Rocks area itself.
Historical Importance
Harrington's Buildings was one of many warehouses built in The Rocks. These buildings were important because they were close to the wharf facilities, making it easy to move goods. The site was part of an early land grant from 1816. It is connected to important people like Robert Campbell and George Atherden, who played big roles in developing The Rocks. It also has ties to the Harringtons, who were important industrialists in Sydney in the early 20th century.
Aesthetic and Technical Importance
The building stands out on a busy corner. It fits well with other early 20th-century buildings on George Street North. These include the Metcalfe Bond Stores, the ASN Co building, and the Old Bushells Factory at 88 George Street. They all share a similar size, materials, and window styles.
Harrington's Buildings was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002, because it met several important criteria:
- It shows the history of New South Wales: The building and its site are important for showing how history unfolded in the state. It highlights the role of warehouses near wharves.
- It has strong links to important people: The site is connected to early Sydney figures like Robert Campbell and George Atherden, and to the Harrington family.
- It shows good design and technical skill: The building is a landmark on a prominent corner. It's a good example of early 20th-century architecture in the area.
