New York Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids New York Hotel (former) |
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New York Hotel 153-155 George Street, The Rocks
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| Location | 153-155 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architectural style(s) | Federation Free Style |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: New York Hotel (former) - DFS (Duty Free Store); DFS (Duty Free Store) Complex | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1563 |
| Type | Streetscape |
| Category | Urban Area |
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The New York Hotel is a historic building located at 153-155 George Street in The Rocks, a famous area in Sydney, Australia. It was built in 1908 and used to be a hotel. Today, it is part of a modern shopping complex called the Duty Free Store. The building is owned by Property NSW and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of the state's history and should be protected.
Contents
A Look Back: The Hotel's History
Early Days and First Buildings
The land where the New York Hotel stands has a long history. Records from 1807 show that Surgeon General John White and Captain William Raven were among the first owners. Around 1835, a woman named Mrs. Underwood owned stone shops and houses on the site. By 1845, a two-story brick house and shop were built there. Another stone and brick house with a store was also built nearby. In 1861, one of these buildings was even used as a "Bowling Alley"!
From Inn to Hotel
In 1871, a public house called the "Nil Desperandum Hotel" opened on the site. By 1882, new two-story brick buildings with iron roofs were built next to it. The public house then became known as the New York Hotel. Over the years, some older buildings were taken down to make way for new ones. For example, a three-story brick shop was built in 1892 for the Church of England.
Changes in the 1900s
In 1900, the government took over the area under the Observatory Hill Resumption Act. This happened after a plague outbreak, and many old buildings were demolished to improve public health. Around 1907, the original New York Hotel was pulled down. A new brick building, the one we see today, was built in 1908 by Tooth & Co. Ltd.
More changes came to the area. In 1912, other buildings nearby were demolished, and new offices were built. The New York Theatre was built close by in 1914 but was later demolished in 1937.
Modern Times and New Uses
The New York Hotel stopped operating as a hotel around 1960. The Cahill Expressway, a major road, had opened right next to it in 1958, changing the area a lot. In the late 1980s, a large commercial building, now known as the DFS Complex, was built behind the historic facades. Most of the inside of the old hotel was changed to create space for the duty-free store.
What the Building Looks Like
The New York Hotel building was constructed in 1908. It's made of brick and stucco and is a great example of the "Federation Free Style" of architecture. This style was popular in Australia around that time.
Unique Design Features
The building has two main parts. One is a tall, five-story tower section. The other is a lower, three-story section that is slightly angled. This angle helps the building follow the curve of George Street. The building also has cool design elements, like arched decorations over the balconies. These decorations show off "Art Nouveau" and classical styles, which were very fashionable back then.
Condition of the Building
Even though the building has been changed inside, its historic outer parts are still in good shape.
Why the Hotel is Important: Heritage Listing
The former New York Hotel is very important to the history and culture of New South Wales. It was listed on the State Heritage Register in 2002.
A Site of Early Settlement
The land itself has a long history, being continuously used by Europeans since 1788. This makes it a significant site for understanding early Australian settlement.
Urban Renewal and Development
The hotel's story shows how Sydney has changed over time.
- After the 1900 Plague: The area saw a lot of rebuilding after the plague. The old hotel was demolished and a new one built, following new health standards.
- Transport Changes: The construction of the Cahill Expressway and the City Railway link in the 1950s dramatically changed the area around the hotel.
- Becoming a Tourist Spot: In the 1980s, The Rocks became a major tourist destination. The hotel's inside was changed to create the duty-free store we see today.
A Long History as a Hotel
The site has a rich history of being a hotel for almost 90 years! First, it was the Nil Desperandum Hotel (1873-1880), then the New York Hotel (1882-1907 and 1908-1960). While the original hotel rooms are gone, its long use as a place for people to stay and gather is a key part of its local history.
Archaeological Potential
Experts believe there might still be old building foundations or other historical evidence buried beneath the current building. These could date back to the very early days of the colony, offering clues about how people lived long ago.
Architectural Beauty
The eastern side of the former New York Hotel is a great example of Federation Free Style architecture from the early 1900s. Its design, especially the tower, shows how the building fits with the unique angle of George Street. Even though parts of the building were changed in the 1980s, its front still adds to the historic look of George Street.
Part of a Historic Group
The New York Hotel is one of four historic commercial buildings (Nos 145, 147, 149-151, and 153-155 George Street) that make up the eastern part of the DFS Complex. Together, these buildings create a beautiful and historic entrance to The Rocks area from George Street. They show how The Rocks was redeveloped in the early 1900s and are an important part of the area's unique character.
Community Value
The Rocks is a very special place to the people of Sydney and New South Wales. Many people fought to "Save The Rocks" from being completely redeveloped. The New York Hotel, as part of this historic area, helps give The Rocks its unique feel and is highly valued by the community.
