FORMER JOHN THOMAS SMITH RESIDENCE

The former residence at 300 Queen Street was designed in 1848 and built between 1849 and 1852 as a residence for J T Smith. Smith was a publican, theatrical entrepreneur and later Mayor of Melbourne. The architect was Charles Laing. 300 Queen Street is constructed of stuccoed brick on a bluestone base with quoined openings and a large fanlight over the main entrance. In 1858 a third storey and outbuildings were added to designs by architect David Ross. The building has a simple symmetrical form, hipped slate-clad roof, Georgian fenestration and austere detailing. 300 Queen Street was occupied by David Munro between 1879 and 1889. Munro was a successful railway contractor who later as a land speculator was bankrupted during the economic crash of the early 1890s.

The former residence at 300 Queen Street is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.

The former residence at 300 Queen Street is historically significant as one of the oldest surviving houses in the central city area. It is significant for its associations with J T Smith, one of the earliest settlers in Melbourne, and who subsequently was Mayor of Melbourne seven times during the 1850s and 1860s. 300 Queen Street is also significant for its associations with David Munro, one of the largest employers in the State as a successful railway contractor during the 1870s and 1880s.

The former residence at 300 Queen Street is architecturally significant as an excellent example of the survival of Georgian styling into the late 1840s and early 1850s. 300 Queen Street is a rare surviving example of the simple but elegant Georgian form. It is significant as a design by two of Melbourne's earliest architects, Charles Laing and David Ross.