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Former McLean Bros. & Rigg Ironmongery & Hardware Store

Other Name Hudson's Stores Location 655 - 659 Bourke Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B4619 File Number B4619 Level Local

[1/1] B4619 Hudson's Store

Statement of Significance

The Bourke Street premises of McLean Brothers and Rigg were built in 1876-77 as an ironmongery and hardware store. Peter Cunningham was the builder and no architect has been identified as designer of this classically derived cement rendered facade of three bay composition, central carriageway and surmounting ornamented pediment. The clear span timber roof trusses enclose a utilitarian interior with brick external walls totally unadorned. The firm McClean Bros and Rigg was established in 1872 and by 1888 was the largest hardware merchant organisation in Victoria. Their Bourke Street premises strategically located near the railyards dealt mainly in agricultural equipment and the building still operates as a retail hardware outlet. The facade is an interesting adaptation of classical elements in a composition which heralds the "boom style classicism" of the 1880's in Melbourne. The ornamental mouldings, including the incised decoration and the stylised "padlock" crest of the owners, is of interest.
Hudson's Stores is typical of industrial stores in the western region of the C.B.D. of Melbourne and survives relatively intact.
Classified: 14/02/1980