Manchester Unity Building

at Collins St, Melbourne , 3000 Australia

1. Landmark
2. Historical Place
3. Shopping & Retail

Description

The Manchester Unity Building is an Art Deco Gothic inspired historic office building in Melbourne, Australia, constructed in 1932 by the Manchester Unity I.O.O.F. in Victoria. The soaring stepped corner tower on a prominent intersection opposite the Melbourne Town Hall make it one of the best known and best loved historic buildings in Melbourne.HistoryThe site, on the north-west corner of the intersection of Collins Street and Swanston Street, was purchased by the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows of Victoria in 1928, reportedly for the sum of £250,000. Construction could not commence immediately however since the lease of the business in the existing building did not expire until the end of 1931. By that time the full effects of the Great Depression were being felt, but the Directors decided to press ahead because all the preparations had been made, and, being a benevolent society, felt it was important to show confidence that the economy would improve and to provide a source of employment. Architect Marcus Barlow designed the building, which was built by W E Cooper Pty Ltd, contracted for the price of £215,000. Construction commenced at midnight on 1 January 1932 with the demolition of the prior buildings on the site, and proceeded around the clock in eight-hour shifts.For the first time in Australia a construction progress schedule was used to track and manage the construction of the building:

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Company Rating

231 FB users likes Manchester Unity Building, set it to 1 position in Likes Rating for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in Historical Place category

Summary

Manchester Unity Building is Melbourne based place and this enity listed in Historical Place category. Located at Collins St VIC 3000.