The Royal Insurance Building in Collins Street next to Temple Court opposite Market Street was built in 1938-40, in a restrained Art Deco style – but in about 1980, the stone facade was peeled off and replaced with a slick curtain wall (!).
The deco building was designed by Ballantyne & Sneddon (#CedricBallantyne is best known for the Regent). The new Royal Insurance replaced the 1888 Gothic Revival Empire Buildings, designed by #TJCrouch, and when it was demolished, many of the ornate windows found a new home at Montsalvat.
Storey of Melbourne 