Samuel Allen & Sons Building facts for kids

Samuel Allen & Sons Building
Samuel Allen & Sons Building, 2002
Location	247 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1870s–1890s (late 19th century)
Built	1881–1910
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: Hogs Breath Cafe, Samuel Allen & Sons
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	21 October 1992
Reference no.	600903
Significant period	1880s, 1910s (fabric) 1881–c. 1991 (historical use as shop)
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The Samuel Allen & Sons Building is a historic building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is located at 247 Flinders Street in the city center. This building was constructed in two main stages, between 1881 and 1910. It is also known for being a former Hog's Breath Cafe restaurant. Because of its history, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.

A Look Back at the Samuel Allen Building

Samuel Allen building before the first floor was added, around 1898

This building was first built in 1881. It started as a single-story store for a company called Samuel Allen & Company. This company later became Samuel Allen & Sons. They had been doing business in Townsville since 1872. Over time, they grew into a large trading company across Australia.

As the company got bigger, they needed more space. So, in 1910, a second floor was added to the building. The outside of the building was also changed. They added a fancy, decorated top part called a parapet.

In 1979, the building was sold to new owners. The front of the ground floor was updated at this time.

Later, in 1991, the building was changed into a cafe and nightclub. It then became a part of the popular Hog's Breath Cafe restaurant chain. In 2016, the building was for sale. At that time, it was home to a Brazilian churrascarria restaurant.

What Does the Building Look Like?

The Samuel Allen & Sons Building is made of brick. It has special bands of stucco on the front that stand out. A decorative top part, called a parapet, hides the corrugated iron roof.

The windows have been updated with aluminum frames. The ground floor's front has been painted a cream color.

The street awning from 1910 is still there. It has wooden supports. A large sign has been added to it over the years.

Most of the inside of the building has been changed. However, the original ceiling on the top floor is still there.

This building is part of a group of old buildings. They are from the colonial and federation periods. It helps make the street look historic.

Why is This Building Important?

The Samuel Allen & Sons Building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is important to Queensland's history. It was added to the list on October 21, 1992.

This building helps us understand Queensland's history. It shows how businesses grew in the past. It is also a good example of a commercial building from the late 1800s.

The building is important because of its connection to Samuel Allen & Sons. This company was a very important trading firm in Queensland. The building was their main office in Townsville.

Finally, the building has special beauty. It helps create a unique and historic look for Flinders Street East.