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Reid's Coffee Palace

Other Name Former Tawana Lodge Location 128 Lydiard Street, BALLARAT VIC 3350 - Property No B1754 File Number B1754 Level State

[1/3] B1754 Reid's Coffee Palace [2/3] B1754 Reid's Coffee Palace 128 [3/3] B1754 Reid's Coffee Palace

Statement of Significance

Reid's Coffee Palace was built for J. Reid and Sons in two stages on the site of Reid's New York Bakery. The first stage was designed by architects, Tappin and Gilbert and was constructed by contractors Taylor and Ellis in 1886. The extensions were undertaken by Tappin, Gilbert and Dennehy in 1888. The verandah would appear to have been constructed about 10 years later.
The building remained very intact internally and externally until it was sold in 1977 and although altered still remains as an important example of the Coffee Palace era.

Externally the two stages are clearly evident with two bracketed pediments surmounted by elaborate name plates and flanked by a balustraded parapet. The Edwardian balcony verandah with central gablet, densely patterned frieze iron and matching first floor triangular brackets is a major feature in the street presentation of the building.

Internally the stairwell with its hand painted murals on the ceiling and wall panels, its clerestory glazing and entrance arch is a particularly fine space.