Repost 2016, new photos, better on a sunny day, but anyway :

I was afraid the #MelbourneSchoolofDesign building would dominate the retained #BankofNSWfacade, but the trees screen the new building (#johnwardle 2014), and the setback on top is just enough. Could’ve done without the sign though.

The facade was originally built on #CollinsStreet in 1859, designed by the talented and prolific #JosephReed. Then about 1930 despite the looming depression the bank went ahead with a 10 storey replacement but everyone thought the facade so good, it was dismantled and donated to MelbourneUniversity. They didn’t have anything to put it on until 1940 when Old Commerce was built though, designed by Percy Everett who reportedly was not happy with the assignment. The Deco Collins Street bank was itself demolished in the 60s and now the commerce building has gone too. This arrangement actually better for the facade, which looks splendid.

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