Johnson's Building, The Rocks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnson's Building
Johnson's Building, pictured in 2010
Location	233-235 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Built	1912
Architect	Walter Liberty Vernon
Architectural style(s)	Federation Free Style
Owner	Property NSW
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Johnson's Building; Chamber of Commerce Building; Johnson's Overalls Building (Johnsons)
Type	State heritage (built)
Designated	10 May 2002
Reference no.	1554
Type	Shop
Category	Commercial
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Johnson's Building is a special old building in The Rocks, a historic part of Sydney, Australia. It's located at 233-235 George Street. This building was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and finished in 1912.

Over the years, it has been used for different things. It started as shops, then became offices for a stock exchange, and now it even has a bar and restaurant. People also know it as the Chamber of Commerce Building or Johnson's Overalls Building. The building is owned by Property NSW, which is a part of the Government of New South Wales. Because of its history and design, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002. This means it's a protected site.

The Building's Story

The land where Johnson's Building stands today has a long history. It was once part of a large open area used by the early colony. By the 1820s, the NSW Government still owned this important corner spot.

Early Days of the Site

Around 1831, the land was divided into smaller blocks. Most of these blocks faced George Street. The corner block, at George and Grosvenor Streets, was bought by Anthony Hordern in 1831. His family owned it until 1901. Another building, built by Hordern, stood on this site for many years. It was shown in an old picture from 1848.

Next to Hordern's property was another building from 1845. This was owned by Alexander Douglas. All these old buildings were taken down in 1911 and 1912. This happened because George Street was being made wider.

Johnson's Building is Born

After the old buildings were removed, the new Chamber of Commerce Building was built in 1912. A man named James Johnson had a long connection with this corner site. He was a draper and clothier, selling fabrics and clothes. He had been linked to the site since 1867. This is why the building is often called "Johnson's Building." It was famous for "Johnson's Overalls" and special clothing for chefs and stewards.

Modern Changes and Use

In the 1980s, big plans were made for this area of Sydney. The goal was to update and reuse several old buildings, including Johnson's Building. This project was part of the larger Grosvenor Place development.

Work on Grosvenor Place began in 1984 and finished in 1988. As part of this, Johnson's Building and two other historic buildings were renovated in 1989. They were changed to become bars and restaurants. This helped bring new life to these important old structures.

What Johnson's Building Looks Like

Johnson's Building is a six-story building made of brick. It was built in a style called "Federation Free Style." This style is known for its tall, narrow look.

Architectural Features

The building has thin, tall columns called pilasters that go up the front. These columns divide the building's face and make it look very vertical. The George Street side has two-story bay windows. These are windows that stick out from the building. Above them are semi-circular windows on the fifth floor.

In the middle of the building, there's a central section with three arches on the fifth floor. On each side, above the bay windows, there's a simple triangular shape called a pediment at the roof level. The corner of the building is curved and has a curved balcony with a flagpole.

The Grosvenor Street side is simpler. It has a large arched entrance decorated with checkered terracotta and sandstone. Sandstone is also used to frame most of the windows and openings. The roof is steep and made of slate, and you can see it behind the pediments.

Updates Over Time

In the late 1980s, major work was done to the building. This was to make it suitable for new uses. The outside of the building, including its awning (a cover over the shopfront) and the shopfront itself, was carefully preserved.

Why Johnson's Building is Special

Johnson's Building is very important for its history and design in New South Wales. It also adds to the special character of The Rocks area, which is important on its own.

A Group of Historic Buildings

Johnson's Building is part of a group of important buildings. These include Federation Hall, Royal Naval House, 231 George Street, and the Brooklyn Hotel. Together, their fronts create a rich and interesting street view. Royal Naval House is a main focus, and Johnson's Building smoothly leads around the corner.

These buildings are also important landmarks. They are located at a major intersection, marking an entry point to The Rocks. The trees nearby, which lose their leaves in winter, add to the beauty of these old buildings.

Unique Design and History

Johnson's Building is a great example of an Edwardian commercial building. Its simple details and impressive front make it a key part of the George Street area. It stands out next to the more decorative Royal Naval House.

The side of the building along Milson Lane has different types of openings. It even has a special system for lifting heavy items. The shopfront, with its awning and deep entrances, shows how shops looked during that time. It's one of the few original shopfronts left in Sydney. The building is also important because of its long connection with the Johnson company. The ground floor shop is notable for its open space and high ceiling. The upper floors are also spacious, with their bay windows and verandahs.

Johnson's Building was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002. This means it meets certain standards for its historical and cultural value.