McIlwraiths 184-192

The following brief history is provided informally only by the Heritage Advisor, 16 January 2017:

The commercial building at 184-192 Pakington Street, Geelong West, was designed by the local architect, Norman Schefferle, in 1926. Tenders were called in May of that year and W.J. Kelly, builder, was the successful contractor. The "shop emporium" was constructed for Crawcour Brothers (Harold and Adrian Crawcour), Mercers and Clothiers, following earlier brick and weatherboard buildings they had occupied on this site. A building permit application was made in June 1926 and by August of that year works had commenced with the Geelong Advertiser giving an illustrated report:

"There is much evidence of Geelong West gaining favour and becoming a leading shopping centre. At present Messrs Crawcour Bros. are extending their premises in an enterprising manner by the erection of the above building, which will provide them with about 10,000 square feet of floor space. This modern building, which is ii the course of erection by Messrs W.J. Kelly Pty. Ltd., a unique design, it being an adaptation of Spanish architecture by Mr N.E. Schefferle, A.R.V.I.A."

References:

Geelong West Rate Books: 1924-28, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

Geelong West Building Permit Register, 24 June 1926, Building Department, City of Greater Geelong.

Geelong Advertiser, 1 May 1926, 14 August 1926.

Group

Commercial

Category

Commercial Office/Building