September 2025

A shocking case of ruination – this was built as Maples Furniture Store in 1905 on the corner of Chapel and High Streets, Prahran. Then somewhere round 1990, SOMEONE decided to make more out of it by converting to offices and replacing much of the best bits to increase the floor and window area. 😖 Must have been just before the street was heritage listed in 1992.

It was designed by AH Fisher, who did Holts Chambers up the street in similar style. It had a very cute entry canopy and big steel beams allowing big windows at ground level. It was smaller at first, then extended along Chapel Street in 1912 with another bowed bay, then it must have been extended again, perhaps not long after. Maples was owned by the Nathan family, who purchased Rippon Lea in 1910, and the family had it till handed over to the @nationaltrustvic in the 70s.

All old photos and info too via Facebook.

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