Byrne
East Melbourne, Hotham Street 020, Alistair Hall
Fine 2 storey block of flats in tuckpointed red brick with clinker brick pilasters and surround to the entry. The diamond pattern of glazing bars is reflected by the diamond render pattern on the parapet. The vehicle entry on the west side has unusual pressed ceilings. [City of Melbourne i-Heritage database]
The value of development in 1932 was given as £2,500. The 7 flats were furnished with picture rails, red pine mantles, pre-cast flower boxes outside. Alistair Hall was built for “Byrne, Peatt & Lynch” of 123 Grey Street, East Melbourne, and built by J.E Peatt . Not much is known of these individuals.
East Melbourne, Powlett Street 101, Magnolia Court
A two storey, freestanding house with a modern extension to the southern side. Now a boutique hotel. A For Sale notice in the Argus, 4 June 1881 states the following: The house contains on the ground floor - drawingroom 22ft. 6in. x 15ft. 2in., inclusisve of bay window, with handsome cornice, centre flower, marble mantelpiece, and gasalier; diningroom 18ft. 10in. x 15ft.
Charles Smith, the first owner of the house, owned a timber yard and saw mill in Albert Street, East Melbourne, in the 1850s-70s. He never lived in the house. He was the uncle of Helen Macpherson Smith, philanthropist. See Catalogue Reference below.