Public Trust Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Public Trust Office |
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The Public Trust Office, 19–21 O'Connell Street, Sydney, New South Wales
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| Location | 19–21 O'Connell Street, Sydney, Australia |
| Built | 1926– |
| Architect | Ross & Rowe |
| Official name: Public Trust Office; Rofe Chambers; Public Trustee | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1019 |
| Type | Office building |
| Category | Government and Administration |
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The Public Trust Office is a historic office building located at 19–21 O'Connell Street in Sydney, Australia. It was designed by a team of architects called Ross & Rowe and construction began in 1926. This building is also known as the Public Trustee building. When it was first built, it was called Rofe Chambers. Because of its importance, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it's a protected building due to its historical value.
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Building History
The Public Trust Office building was first known as "Rofe Chambers." It was designed in 1924 by M. E. Ross & Rowe for a law firm named Alfred Rofe & Sons. A law firm is a business where lawyers work together to help people with legal issues.
When it first opened, the ground floor of the building had offices for the Australian Bank of Commerce Insurance Brokers. The floors above were used by other professionals, like engineers and accountants. The basement was a dining room for the staff. Between 1926 and 1931, some changes were made to the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors. These changes were usually done by the original architects.
The Public Trustee Moves In
In 1941, the government needed a new office space for the Public Trustee. The Public Trustee is a government office that helps manage money and property for people, especially after someone has passed away. The state government bought Rofe Chambers for this purpose.
The Public Trust Building was officially opened on 2 March 1942. The premier of New South Wales at the time, William McKell, opened the building. A premier is like the leader of a state government. The total cost to buy the building, make changes, and set up the new offices was about 125,764 pounds. This was a lot of money back then!
Changes Over Time
Not many big changes happened to the building in the 1940s and 1950s. In 1967, some changes were made to the ground floor. Then, in 1971, the building had a major makeover. Most of the original inside parts were removed, and only the outside walls, called the facade, remained the same. More updates were done inside the building in 1989.
Building Design
The Public Trust Building is built in a style called "inter-war free classical." This means it uses ideas from old Greek and Roman architecture, but with a modern twist from the time between the two World Wars.
The building has eight floors above a basement level. The front of the building, which faces O'Connell Street, is made of sandstone. It looks very balanced and has three large round arches that are two stories high (covering the ground and first floors).
You can also see tall, flat columns called pilasters on the outside. These pilasters stretch from the third to the seventh floors. The second and seventh floors each have three sections of windows, called bays. The very top of the building has a decorative wall called a parapet. This parapet is decorated with classical stone cornices and other fancy designs. The large metal-framed windows and panels between them, called spandrel panels, show that the building was made in the inter-war period.
Inside, the building has been updated many times. In the early 1970s and late 1980s, modern office interiors were added. These include walls made of plasterboard and ceilings that hang down, often with glass walls separating offices. The main entrance area, called the foyer, is covered with a beautiful stone called travertine marble.
Why It's Important
The Public Trust Office building is very important for several reasons:
- History: It shows the history of the Public Trustee organization in New South Wales.
- Social Significance: It's important because of its connection to managing the money and property of people who have passed away. It was the first office building bought specifically for the Public Trustee, and it's still their main office today.
- Street View: The building's front (facade) adds to the special look of O'Connell Street. It fits in well with other historic buildings nearby, like the former Bank of New South Wales building.
- Architecture: It's a great example of the "inter-war free classical" style. It was designed by famous architects, Ross & Rowe.
The Public Trust Office was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This happened because it met certain important rules.
Community Connection
One of the main reasons it's listed is its strong connection to the community. It helps people in New South Wales with important social matters, especially managing the estates of people who have died. Since it was the first building bought just for the Public Trustee and is still used as their main office, it has a very special place in the community's history.
