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The White Hat Guide to the Nicholas Building

The Nicholas Building was designed by the Architect Harry Norris and built for Alfred Nicholas - the highly successful developer of Aspro. The building was competed in 1926 and is influenced by the 'Chicago Style' of architecture. It adheres to the height limits imposed at that period in the CBD and in these several blocks of Swanston Street that constraining height can also be clearly seen in buildings such as the Manchester Unity Building and Century Building.

The facade is of terra cotta with a deep green faience glaze which was designed to be self cleaning. A delightful feature is the small Cathedral Arcade with its glass roof. Note also in this arcade the (now inactive) mailbox with its glass chute carrying letters down from the floors above. The lifts remain some of the last in Melbourne to be operated by a 'lift lady'.

Initially the building functioned as offices and a mixture of the type of small businesses which do not require a streetfront presence such as milliners, accountants, tailors etc. Over time the mix has changed and in recent decades the building has become home to numbers of smaller artist studios, jewellers and the like. One of the best known artists to have a studio in the building was the late Vali Myers. On the first floor you can find the Poets Bookshop.

Open Studios - Nicholas Building Did you miss this event? Then subscribe to our free email newsletter to receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its subscribers Informed since last century and has long become a Melbourne Institution for those Intelligent and Independent souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can occasionally be a little Irreverent.) Experience a unique and intimate twilight event held over two nights. Meet a diverse group of artists, makers and designers as they open their studios to the public. This is you opportunity to purchase original Melbourne made and designed jewellery, fashion, bags and art within a vibrant creative hub…The Nicholas Building. (lift access via Cathedral Arcade) 5pm to 9pm, 28 & 29 August 2008 Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne - Free Enquiries: (03) 9650 2590

Where is the Nicholas Building?

Click on the Nicholas Building link to the right of the map. Use the controls to zoom in or out on the map or change to satellite view.