City Fire Station

From the street the old fire station building looks quite small, I had no idea what was behind the facade. The old engines are part of the historical exhibits from the Museum of Fire and were relocated to the Station for Sydney Open.

A rare example of Victorian free classical architecture, the design of the fire station was considered innovative for its time and included features drawn from the experience of the London Metropolitan Fire Brigade. An adjacent brick warehouse (know as the Boot Factory) was purchased in 1923, and the interior converted for a gymnasium, carpentry shop, workshops and dormitory. In 1907 the original building was extended along Castlereagh Street to the north and in 1928 an enlarged fleet of motorised appliances necessitated the ground floor's conversion into two engine bays.

The need for a new and enlarged fire station was identified as early as 1934 yet, despite numerous proposals, the project was not progressed. In July 1999 an application was lodged with City of Sydney Council for works comprising refurbishment, adaptive reuse and new accommodation. Construction of the new station was completed in February 2003 and restoration of the 1887 building and stonework commenced the following month.

The Judge's House

A true gem, tucked away between city office blocks, this one is my favourite.

Built in 1827, this Georgian cottage is the only surviving colonial house in the heart of the city and is Sydney's second oldest building. The house was built as a single storey, stone walled rectangle containing six rooms and a hall. Of typical symmetrical Georgian design, the verandah is supported on Doric columns on the eastern, northern and southern sides, an adaptation of this style to the Australian conditions. The exterior walls are of sandstone, bonded with shell-lime mortar.

The cottage bas built for William Harper, a Scottish migrant who worked as an assistant surveyor. Ill health caused Harper to retire young and his home was rented to the second Chief Justice of New South Wales, Sir James Dowling, in 1828, from where it gets its name. The house has had various tenants including a vinegar maker, a master mariner, a surgeon and a butcher. In 1997 the Capital Investment Group purchased the Judge's House for its corporate headquarters. It remains in their ownership and they continue the policy of preservation of this unique property.

Trades Hall

Trades Hall type buildings derive from English Guild Halls where individual trades established guilds to protect their profession. Sydney Trades Hall was opened in 1895. I remember taking tai chi classes in the building back in the 1980s. It was an old, run down building with creaky wooden floors and not much else. I had no idea it had been fully restored and redeveloped to provide modern office and retail space, including light wells and an atrium. However, it still very much keeps the flavour of the old building and celebrates the history of the trade union movement. I'm afraid I forgot to take a photo of the exterior.

The original building on the left, the new on the right, connected by a modern light well.
Display of union banners.

Old and new. The sign above the old ALP office in Trades Hall and the current office around the corner.

Masonic Centre

As promised, I'll now take you on a tour of the interiors of some of the 70 buildings which were open to the public as part of Sydney Open. Sydney Open began in 1997 in response to a desire to celebrate the architecture of Sydney - old and new - and to encourage a dialogue between all those interested in the quality of our architecture and urban environment. The even opens the doors to many of the best buildings in our rapidly changing city. Sydney Open is held for one day only every two years (far too short in my opinion, it should be over two days).

Last week I showed you the exterior of, and view from, Sydney Masonic Centre and Civic Tower. Here is the interior of the Masonic Centre.

Ceiling lights in the lodge and banqueting rooms.

Main foyer. Its easy to see why they call this the "brutalist" style of architecture.

Main lodge room.

Looking Down (7)

The last in the looking down on Sydney series. Looking up Martin Place from George Street towards Sydney Hospital (at the top of the photo). The building on the right with the clock tower is the old GPO (General Post Office) now a hotel/retail complex.

Looking Down (6)

Looking north towards the Rocks (can you see the old terrace houses) and over the harbour from Westpac Place (see yesterday's post).


I couldn't decide which of these two to use so you've got both. This one shows the expressway and approach to the Harbour Bridge. Apologies for the reflection on the glass.

Sky Watch Friday/Looking Down (5)

Looking over the Domain (front right), Botanic Gardens (front left), Garden Island (centre, see the naval ships) and up the harbour to the heads, from level 28, Deutsche Bank Place.

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