October 2026
I was sent these pics by a follower asking what this thing seen above Elizabeth Street was – and I can answer it was the observation deck on top of the lift tower of what was briefly amongst Melbournes tallest buildings, the Colonial Mutual Life, completed in 1963. I’m told it was as never used however.
It was designed by Stephenson Turner, and if you ask me I don’t think it’s particularly notable, just a big sheer grid, though it does have a nice little plaza with a sculpture by Tom Bass, and the black granite of the lower two levels is original. The cladding of the frame was changed from white marble to varied coloured panels some time ago, looks worse ! – but nevertheless it’s one of the 55 post war CBD buildings heritage listed in 2023. All pics facebook or the internet or streetview.
