Rooney Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rooney Building |
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Rooney Building, 2009
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| Location | 241 - 245 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s - 1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1883 |
| Built for | Edmund Harris Thornburgh Plant |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Rooney Building | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600917 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1883-ongoing (historical commercial use) |
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The Rooney Building is a special old building in Townsville CBD, Queensland, Australia. It was built way back in 1883. This building is important because it's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's protected for its history and unique look.
Contents
What is the Rooney Building?
The Rooney Building was built in 1883. It is a commercial building, meaning it was used for businesses. It has a classic look with arched windows and a fancy top part called a parapet. This parapet hides the roof, which is made of corrugated iron.
How the Building Looks Today
The ground floor of the building has changed over time. It used to have an old-fashioned awning, but now it has a modern one. The ground floor is currently split into three different shops or restaurants. The windows on the upper floor were once made of wood, but they have been replaced with aluminium ones. The inside of the first floor has also been updated and now holds offices.
History of the Rooney Building
The Rooney Building has a long and interesting past. It was built for a very important person named Edmund Harris Thornburgh Plant. He owned a mill and was in charge of several mines. He was also a member of the Queensland Legislative Council, which was a group of people who helped make laws for Queensland.
Early Businesses in the Building
After it was built in 1883, the building was first used by Pollard's Music Store. Imagine buying musical instruments there! Then, in 1890, the Royal Bank of Queensland moved in.
Rooney & Co. Takes Over
In 1892, a well-known building company called Rooney & Co. started renting the building. They were famous builders in the area. They stayed there for almost 50 years! In 1917, Rooney Ltd. actually bought the building. Later, in 1928, they made the ground floor into a big showroom for furniture.
Later Owners and Changes
In 1953, a company called Samuel Allen & Sons Ltd. bought the building. They had been in Townsville since 1872. In 1979, more changes were made. The windows on the first floor were replaced, and the ground floor was changed to fit three shops or restaurants. Today, an Italian restaurant is located on the ground floor.
Why is the Rooney Building Important?
The Rooney Building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it meets several important rules. It was added to the list on October 21, 1992.
Shows Queensland's History
This building helps us understand how Townsville grew and became important in the 1880s. The businesses that were in the Rooney Building helped the city develop.
A Good Example of Old Buildings
The Rooney Building is a great example of the commercial buildings that were built a long time ago. It also helps make the Flinders Street East area look special and connected.
Beautiful and Important Design
The building has a beautiful design that adds to the look of the area. It's important for its classic style and how it fits into the street.
Connected to Important People and Groups
Many important people and companies have been connected to this building. It was built for Edmund Plant, a key figure in business and politics. Then, a leading building company, Rooney & Co., used it for a long time. Later, a long-standing produce company bought it. All these connections make the building very significant to Queensland's history.
