4 August 2020

#RitzMansions was built in 1927, designed by #ErnestHLong, and its that very rare thing in Melbs, and apartment block built on the street, with shops at front level, and tall enough for a lift – in fact prewar only a few apartment buildings had a lift, such as Alcaston House in the city. So it’s very New York, LA, or European – and a bit hidden by a #damntree.

At some point, possibly the 70s ?, it actually got stripped out to become open plan offices, including PBS radio, and I can’t see any original apartment interiors. It’s now a mix of offices and apartments. The back is the same design, but with #redbrick, which the front had originally too, but got rendered over.

It’s the same style and many details as the #RitzHotelStKilda next door, built 1922, but that was designed by another architect, so Long must’ve liked it, or was told to copy it.

More info from RBA architects who have their office there – it was very dilapidated by the 90s, and a lot of work had to be done, overseen by RBA in 1998. This included restoring the lift, which looks to be quite original.

And here’s another apartment.

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