Late 40s Modernism in Russell Street

18 July 2018, updated 2024:

#RussellStreetPostOffice, designed 1946, by the Commonwealth Dep of Works, built 1948-1954, many delays and costing twice the estimated £1/2mill – rather retro looking by then, almost preWW2 #modernist, but I like it very much. It housed a big telephone exchange on 1st-3rd floors, and a cafeteria on the top. There was a Postal Hall at ground level, opening off the very nice porch with polished red granite columns, and a nice entry to the lift lobby with probably the original marble lined stairs too. There’s a bas-relief panel by Stanley Hammond at first floor level on the left (easily missed), probably representing communication.

Sold off in 1998, it hosted the first and last Melbourne International Biennial in 1999, occupying the half gutted floors, and fondly remembered by many.

It was then converted to the #HeroApartments in 99-2001, by #FenderKatsalidis, in fact he was the developer. I was sorry to see that huge addition on top, but they left the basic form mostly intact (while at the National Trust I convinced them to change it less than they were going to, eg not joining the first floor strip windows together around the corner). Sad the Postal Hall and all those stainless steel telephone booths removed too. It’s listed by the Trust, but not actually officially protected, so surprised they recently put up a Trust #plaque !

2024 update : it’s one of about 50 post war places listed in 2023 by the #hoddlegridheritagereview, despite all the alteratins, because it was the first large postwar building, the last of its style, and important to communications history.

All except 3rd colour photo 2024.