16 December 2024
The very nice geometric Art Nouveau ceiling of the former Thomas’ Music Store at the top of Bourke Street is still there, but its future a bit uncertain. Originally built in 1907 as an unusually cheery State Bank, designed by Sydney Smith & Ogg, Thomas’ closed in 2018, and was going to become a Coles Express. The ceiling wasn’t and isn’t protected, so I assumed it would disappear, but when they finally fitted it out, they kept it, albeit painted in two shades of grey. It never opened however, and now it’s up for rent; it’s only a little detail but I hope it stays, there arnt that many retail interiors left in the CBD. Pic 2 Graeme Butler, 2017, first one mine, 2012, next 3 real estate, last city of Melb.
Storey of Melbourne 