Toowoomba Permanent Building Society facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toowoomba Permanent Building Society |
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2014
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| Location | 2 Russell Street, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1934 - 1982 |
| Architect | William Hodgen |
| Official name: Toowoomba Permanent Building Society (former), Cleary and Lee Solicitors, Toowoomba Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600859 |
| Significant period | 1930s (fabric) 1934-1979 (historical use) |
| Significant components | garage, fence/wall - perimeter, strong room |
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The Toowoomba Permanent Building Society building is a special historic place in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It used to be a building society, which is like a bank that helps people save money and borrow to buy homes.
This building was designed by a famous architect named William Hodgen. It was built in 1934 and was used by the society until 1979. Later, it was extended in 1982. Today, it's known as a heritage-listed site, meaning it's protected because of its important history.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's Story
The Toowoomba Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society building was built to look strong and simple. It was made of red bricks. The construction finished in 1934 and cost £4390.
The building was designed by William Hodgen, a well-known architect from Toowoomba. This was one of his last big projects before he passed away in 1943. The building was made bigger on its western side in 1982.
How the Society Started
The Toowoomba Permanent Benefit Building and Investment Society began in 1875. Its first offices were on Margaret Street. As the business grew, they needed more space. In 1906, they moved to Russell Street.
By 1934, the society decided to build a brand new office. This new building, which you see today, opened in October 1934. The Toowoomba Permanent Building Society stayed in this building for many years, until 1979.
Building Societies in Queensland
The Toowoomba Permanent Building Society was one of the first of its kind in Queensland. Two others started in Brisbane in 1874. Before these "permanent" societies, there were "terminating" societies. These would close once all members had bought their homes.
The permanent societies were different. They gave out interest on savings every year, not just when the society ended. This made them more stable and helpful for people saving money.
Why Building Societies Mattered
Building societies helped people buy land and homes. This was good for towns because it encouraged people to stay and build their lives there. When more people settled, the town grew. This helped local businesses, farming, and trade.
More people also meant more taxes for the government. This money could then be used for public projects, like roads or schools. So, building societies played a big part in helping towns like Toowoomba grow and become successful.
Moving to a New Home
From 1876, the Toowoomba Permanent Building Society had offices in Beirne's Chambers. As the business got busier around 1900, these offices became too small. In 1905, the leaders started looking for a new place.
In January 1906, they decided to buy an existing building instead of building a new one. They bought half of Bernard Dowd's property on Russell Street for £1500. They then renovated it to fit their needs.
Changes Over Time
The Russell Street office had several updates, especially in the 1920s. They added iron bars to windows and installed a telephone. They also planned to connect the office to the sewerage system.
By 1929, the society realized they needed an even bigger space. They wanted a new building that would last for at least 25 years. They also wanted it strong enough to add a second floor later. However, the Great Depression made them put these plans on hold for a while.
Finding the Perfect Spot
In 1932, the idea of a new office came up again. They looked at several places. In June 1933, a special team was put together to find new land or a building.
On July 20, 1933, they bought a property at the corner of Neil and Russell Streets. This was the perfect spot! They hired William Hodgen, their former director and an architect, to design the new building. The construction started soon after.
The Grand Opening
The new building was ready in mid-October 1934. The society celebrated this big move. They even had a photo and an article in the local newspaper, the Toowoomba Chronicle. The first meeting in the new Board Room was held on October 18, 1934.
This building was the main office and a symbol of the Toowoomba Permanent Building Society for many years. Its location at the corner of Neil and Russell Streets made it very noticeable. In 1977, the society changed its name slightly to "Toowoomba Permanent Building Society." They moved to a new building in Ruthven Street in March 1979.
Later Uses and a Time Capsule
In 1982, the building was extended when Cleary and Lee Solicitors moved in. They added a second entrance on the western side. Part of the fence was removed to create a parking area.
When the Toowoomba Permanent Building Society left in 1976, they placed a time capsule behind a plaque inside the building. It's meant to be opened in 2026! Cleary and Lee Solicitors used the building for many years, but it is currently empty.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Toowoomba Permanent Building Society building is a single-story building made of facebrick. It was built in 1934. Later, extensions were added to its western side. It stands out on the corner of Russell and Neil Streets in Toowoomba.
Outside Features
The front of the building, facing Russell Street, has a noticeable entrance area called a portico. It has stairs leading up to the main door. The door has glass panels and decorative glass above it. Windows with timber frames are along the front and eastern sides. These windows also have glass panels above them.
A second entrance with timber doors is on the western side, added during the later extensions. The roof is hidden by a decorative top edge called a pediment. You can see the words "CLEARY AND LEE SOLICITORS" in raised letters on the front and eastern sides. The building has fancy moldings and a decorative border along the top. The western side, made of brick, has no windows or doors. The back of the building has timber-framed windows.
The original brick garage is still there in the back corner. It's now connected to the main building.
Inside Features
Inside, the main part of the building is a large open space. This area has been divided into smaller work areas. The ceiling is made of plaster and has decorative moldings. The walls have a timber dado rail, which is a decorative strip of wood. There are also decorative columns, called Doric pilasters, on the internal walls.
Offices are located along the eastern side of the building. These offices have rendered walls with timber dado rails and picture rails. Most have decorative plaster cornices. The original strong room, a very secure room, is still there on the southern side. One office on the western side has been updated, with a lower ceiling. Toilets and kitchen areas, which have been recently renovated, are at the back of the building.
The brick extensions on the western side have several offices opening from a central hallway. These offices are simpler in design. The original garage, which was also a storage room, is now divided into two offices.
The Fence
A low brick fence with decorative tops is along the northern and eastern sides of the building. It also runs along part of the western side.
Why This Building is Important
The former Toowoomba Permanent Building Society building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it's recognized as an important part of Queensland's history. It was added to the list on October 21, 1992.
A Special Example of Design
Designed in 1934 by William Hodgen, this building is a great example of a purpose-built commercial building from that time. It was Hodgen's last major work. For many years, it was a public symbol of the Toowoomba Permanent Building Society.
It shows what a typical business building from the 1930s looked like. It's a single-story, simple building with classic design elements. Even the fence and grounds are important. They show how the building was designed to look like a home rather than just an office.
Adding to the Street's Beauty
Located at the corner of Russell and Neil Streets, with its special low brick and iron fence, the building makes the street look better. It adds to the overall appearance of the area.
Connected to Important History
This building is important because of its connection to one of Toowoomba's oldest businesses. It was also home to one of Queensland's longest-running permanent building societies. It reminds us of the people who worked there and the services they provided to the community.
