Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Paton Building

Location 115-117 Elizabeth Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3000 - Property No B4618 File Number B4618 Level Local

[1/1] B4618 Paton Building

Statement of Significance

The Paton Building, a six storey load bearing brick office building with ground floor shops and basement, was erected in 1905 for the Paton Trustees. Innovative Melbourne architect Nahum Barnet designed the narrow building and facade, integrating romanesque derived elongated brick arcades surmounted by a colonaded parapet with oriel windows recessed in the arches and enhanced with art nouveau derived ornamentation.
The Paton Building is an important work of Nahum Barnet, a noted early 20th century Melbourne architect whose office was located (1906-24) on the top floor of this structure. The art nouveau ornamentation, motifs and graphics were the result of contemporary developments in Great Britian and until Barnet adopted this style were rarely in evidence in Melbourne. The title Paton Building is in striking art nouveau graphics and epitomises the reformist role of Barnet in architectural design.
The Paton Building has been completely altered at ground level but the upper facade remains intact with the contrasting materials, although subdued by city grime, still readily perceived. The interior has been mostly refitted.
Classified:14/02/1980