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Former Mendes' Music Academy

Other Name Salvation Army Australasian Headquarters Location 288 Coventry Street,, SOUTH MELBOURNE VIC 3205 - Property No B6138 File Number B6138 Level Regional

[1/1] B6138 Former Mendes Music

Statement of Significance

Originally designed and constructed by Hennessy and Deakin Architects in 1878 for George Mendes as a music hall, it became in 1883 the headquarters of the Salvation Army in Australia then it was offices, printery and meeting hall until 1911 when it became one of the first suburban picture theatres. It continued as a picture theatre until 1956. The building although altered on the ground floor is architecturally significant as a distinguished interpretation of classical architecture, realised by dividing the facade symmetrically by a trabeated system of rusticated piers and giant order pilasters. The whole composition is elegantly realised with carefully balanced details such as the ornamented windows with their mouldings and balconettes. It is also of historic significance for its association with the Salvation Army's Victorian beginnings and the early cinema industry.
Classified: 01/10/1990