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Fawkner Mansions

Location 250 Punt Road, PRAHRAN VIC 3181 - Property No B3167 File Number B3167 Level State

[1/1] B3167 Fawkner Mansions

Statement of Significance

Fawkner Mansions is of architectural and historical significance at a State level as the earliest major block of flats extant in Melbourne. Constructed in early 1910 for the owner George Fairbairn to the designs of architect Ernest H Willis, it helped to introduce a new style of living and new architectural forms. The massive symmetrical red-brick form is imposing, yet includes domestic references. The twenty-seven small self-contained flats provided a popular alternative to boarding house accommodation for the middle and professional classes.
Fawkner Mansions is undoubtedly one of the most significant buildings in the State, principally for being the earliest extant block of flats in Melbourne. It could be considered as the first "real" block built because of the unusual nature of the known earlier blocks.
Fawkner Mansions, with its severe, red-brick construction, loggias, and minimal Arts and Crafts/Art Nouveau details, is the leader of the highly unusual group of early flats in Melbourne.
Classified:17/03/1973