Howard Smith Company Building, Townsville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Howard Smith Company Building |
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Howard Smith Company Building (now Agora House), 2009
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| Location | 224 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1910 - 1911 |
| Architect | Charles Dalton Lynch and Walter Hunt |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Agora House, Howard Smith Company Building, Patterson, Reid & Bruce Ltd Building | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600913 |
| Significant period | 1910s, 1920s (fabric) 1911-1969 (historical, ownership) |
| Significant components | loggia/s, strong room |
| Builders | Hanson & Sons |
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The Howard Smith Company Building is a special old office building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's located at 224 Flinders Street. This building is important because of its history and design, so it's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.
It was built between 1910 and 1911 by Hanson & Sons. The architects who designed it were Charles Dalton Lynch and Walter Hunt. Today, it's also known as Patterson, Reid & Bruce Ltd Building or Agora House.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
How the Building Came to Be
This two-storey building was finished in 1911. It was built for the Townsville office of the Howard Smith Company Ltd. This company was a very big shipping business in Australia.
The Howard Smith Company started in Melbourne in the 1850s. Its founder was Captain William Howard Smith. The company began working in Central Queensland in 1870. By 1882, they had an office in Townsville.
The company helped North Queensland grow a lot. They did this through their trading and shipping routes.
From Leased Office to Owned Building
By the 1890s, the Townsville branch was at Queen's Wharf. Around 1900, the company rented a brick building on Flinders Street. It was next to another building used by Aplin, Brown & Crawshay.
In 1901, the business changed its name to Howard Smith Company Ltd. In 1909, Harry Bellingham Howard Smith bought land nearby. He was the company's managing director and the founder's son.
The company then built its own office on this land. Construction happened from 1910 to 1911. The company moved into their new building in March 1911.
Design and Construction Details
Charles Dalton Lynch and Walter Hunt were the architects. They were from Townsville. Hanson & Sons were the builders. People thought the building was very modern for its time.
The front part of the building had two floors. These floors had offices that the company could rent out. The back part had one floor. This large space was where the company's own offices were.
Inside, there was a counter and offices for the manager and other staff. These areas were separated by low walls made of silky oak and special glass. The roof was flat and made of reinforced concrete. It had a large skylight with windows that could be opened. The architects even created their own special way to make the concrete roof waterproof.
In 1920, a second floor was added to the back section. This new floor had a clerestory, which means it had windows high up to let in more light.
Changes Over the Years
Howard Smith Company sold the building in 1969. The new owner was Paterson Reid & Bruce Ltd. In 1979, the building was sold again.
The ground floor was changed to make space for three shops. It is believed that the building's name changed to Agora House around this time. In 1991, the first floor was turned into homes.
As of 2016, the ground floor still has several shops. The top floor is now a three-bedroom apartment.
What the Building Looks Like
The Howard Smith Company Building is a two-storey concrete building. It faces Flinders Street at the front. Denham Lane is at the back.
Ground Floor Features
The ground floor has a central entrance that is set back from the street. It has double doors. There are also shops on either side of the entrance. Each shop has a large display window.
A metal awning hangs from the first floor. On the western side, there is a recessed entrance door. This door leads to a staircase that goes up to the first floor.
First Floor Design
The first floor has a recessed loggia. A loggia is like a covered porch or balcony. It has three arched openings. These arches have a rendered balustrade, which is a fancy railing.
Pilasters (flat, decorative columns) separate the arches. These pilasters hold up deep cornices, which are decorative ledges. In the middle, there is a raised, rounded pediment with a shield on top. Sash windows open onto the loggia. There is also a door at the eastern end.
The roof is likely shallow and hipped. It is covered with corrugated iron. There is also ventilation along the roof's ridge.
Rear of the Building
The back of the building has metal-framed hopper windows. On the western side, there is a two-storey addition. This part has a skillion roof and contains amenities like bathrooms.
Next to this, there is a single-storey carport or loading area. It has roller doors.
Inside the Building
Inside, the central foyer opens up from a short hall. There is a shop at the back of the foyer. The foyer has a row of original cast iron columns along its eastern side. The ceiling has a recessed lighting grid.
The shop on the eastern side has a section of pressed metal ceiling at the front. You can also see enclosed window openings along the eastern wall. The shop at the back has a strongroom (a very secure room). It also has a large sliding door that leads to the rear carport or loading area.
The first floor likely has rooms at the front. Behind them, there is a large open space. This area includes a kitchenette and a bathroom along the back wall. Some parts of the floor are raised timber.
Why This Building is Special: Heritage Listing
The Howard Smith Company Building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's recognized as an important historical place.
Showing Queensland's History
The building helps us understand how Queensland's history unfolded.
- It shows the economic growth of Queensland in the early 1900s.
- It was one of the first commercial buildings in Townsville to use concrete.
- It proves that Townsville continued to grow as a major port in North Queensland.
A Great Example of its Kind
This building is a good example of a two-storey commercial building from the early 20th century in Townsville. It shows what buildings of that type looked like back then.
Beautiful Design
The building has a beautiful design that people in Townsville value.
- Its classical style adds to the look of Flinders Street and Townsville.
- The building's design quality and original interior parts are very good.
Connected to Important People and Groups
The building has a special link to the Howard Smith Company Ltd. This company was a very important Australian shipping firm. It played a big part in the economic growth of Townsville and North Queensland.
