Melbourne Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melbourne Hotel |
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Viewed from intersection of Murray and Milligan streets in 2018
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| Alternative names | Old Melbourne Hotel |
| General information | |
| Type | Hotel |
| Architectural style | Federation Free Classical |
| Location | Corner Hay Street and Milligan Street |
| Address | 942 Hay Street |
| Town or city | Perth, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| Opened | April 1897 |
| Renovated | 1971, 1994–95, 1997, 2015–2018 |
| Client | John De Baun |
| Owner | Oaksfield Pty Ltd |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Peter John Wilson |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | Oldham, Boas, Ednie-Brown (1994–95), Buchan Group (2015–2018) |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 21 January 1997 |
| Reference no. | 2005 |
The Melbourne Hotel is a famous historic hotel in Perth, Western Australia. It stands proudly at the corner of Hay Street and Milligan Street. This beautiful building has been a part of Perth's history for over a century.
Contents
A Look Back: The Hotel's Early Days
How the Melbourne Hotel Began
In the 1890s, many people came to Western Australia because of the gold rush. An American investor named John De Baun saw a chance to build new places. In 1896, he bought an old building called the Eagle Tavern. He then had it taken down to make way for something new.
De Baun hired Peter John Wilson, a talented architect from Fremantle. Wilson designed a grand new hotel. It was built in a style called Federation Free Classical. The hotel was named after Melbourne Street, which was a nearby street at the time.
Opening Its Doors in 1897
The Melbourne Hotel officially opened in April 1897. It welcomed many people, including those looking for gold and visitors to the city. It quickly became an important place for people to stay and gather.
Changes Over the Years: Renovations and New Uses
Transformations in the 20th Century
For many years, the Melbourne Hotel continued to operate as a hotel. It also became a popular spot for people to meet and socialize. In the 1970s, new owners, John Murdoch and Robert Stowe, bought the property. They started the first big updates to the hotel.
These updates included adding new parts to the west side of the building. The inside was also renovated. During this time, parts of the hotel were used as fun entertainment venues.
Modern Updates and Restorations
In 1993, a company called Decanning Ltd bought the hotel. They decided to renovate it for a private business club. Architects Oldham Boas Ednie-Brown worked on these changes. They made sure the new parts matched the old building.
The renovations, finished in 1995, brought back the hotel's original beauty. They restored the elegant balcony, the grand wooden staircase, and the fancy ceilings.
The Hotel Today: A New Chapter
In 2006, a company from Singapore, Oakesfield Pty Ltd, became the owner. From 2015 to 2018, the hotel went through a major redevelopment. Older additions were removed, and a new seven-storey building was added around the original structure.
This big project cost $40 million. It created 73 modern guest rooms, event spaces, and five different places to eat and drink. The main bar was even renamed De Baun & Co, honoring the hotel's first owner, John De Baun.
What Makes the Melbourne Hotel Special?
Its Unique Architectural Style
The Melbourne Hotel is a three-storey building made of brick. It has a special roof hidden behind a decorative wall called a parapet. The outside walls are painted and have round windows and doors. These are decorated with false stonework and columns. This style is known as Federation Free Classical.
One of its most beautiful features is the balcony on the first floor. It extends over the pavement on both sides of the building. It has lovely cast iron decorations and a curved roof.
Inside the Historic Building
Inside, the hotel has wooden floors and roofs. The walls are plastered, and there are beautiful wooden details. The ceilings have decorative plasterwork. There's also a grand wooden staircase and an old-fashioned metal elevator with stained-glass doors. Some windows on the Hay Street side also have colorful leaded glass.
Why the Melbourne Hotel is Important
Recognized for Its Heritage
The Melbourne Hotel is very important to the history of Western Australia. It has been officially recognized as a heritage site.
- On November 1, 1988, it was added to the Register of the National Estate.
- On January 21, 1997, it was placed on the permanent State Heritage Register. This means it is protected for future generations.
- The City of Perth also listed it on its Municipal Heritage Inventory in 2001.
- The National Trust of Australia (WA) classified it as a significant building in 1987.
These recognitions show how valuable the Melbourne Hotel is as a piece of history and architecture.
