Repost 2018:
#RussellStreetPostOffice, designed 1946, by Commonwealth Architects, built 1948- 1954, many delays and costing twice the estimated £1/2mill, rather retro looking for that date, almost preWW2 #modernist, but fine nevertheless. Brief life as the venue of the once only Biennale in 1999. Converted to the #HeroApartments in 99-2001, by #FenderKatsalidis, 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). It’s listed by the Trust, but not actually officially protected, so surprised they recently put up a Trust #plaque !
2021 update : it’s one of the 55 post war places proposed for listing by the #hoddlegridheritagereview, because it was the first large postwar building, last of its style, and important to communications history, despite the alterations and additions. Great little stripped classical portico, and bas-relief by #SKHammond, which is also 30s modern.
Storey of Melbourne 