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Former Post Office

Location 172 Peel Street,, WINDSOR VIC 3181 - Property No B4689 File Number B4689 Level State

[1/2] B4689 Former Windsor Post [2/2] B4689 Former Windsor Post

Statement of Significance

A finely detailed and refreshingly innovative example of Edwardian Free Style design with Arts and Crafts leanings, the Windsor Post Office and Telephone Exchange was erected in 1907-8 to the design of H J MacKennal of the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. The reinforced concrete frame which carries much of the structure was designed by John Monash and is an early example of the use of this technique in Australian building.
The compact Peel Street facade is of red brick incorporating string courses of rockfaced freestone with mullions and transoms of ashlar and leadlighted windows. In its expression of materials, window design and broad elevational composition, it may be compared with the Arts and Crafts work of William Lethaby: comparision may also be made with the Free Style designs of Leonard Stokes, including a number of telephone exchanges. With the exceptions of the chimney in the gable end and a small proportion of the leadlight, the building appears to be remarkably intact externally. This is enhanced by the survival of the wrought iron front fence and the unpainted brick and stonework.
Classified: 18/09/1986