APA Building, Historical skyscraper in Melbourne, Australia
The APA Building is a skyscraper in Melbourne with twelve floors and a corner spire rising to 53 meters at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Lane. The structure presents a late-nineteenth-century commercial building with distinctive facade treatment across its multiple stories.
The building was constructed in 1889 during Melbourne's land boom and held the title of Australia's tallest commercial building upon completion in 1890. This distinction made it a symbol of the city's economic expansion and architectural ambition during that period.
The building displays Queen Anne style features with vertical lines, steep roofs, and decorated gables that shape its exterior and make it recognizable along the historic streetscape. These architectural choices reflect design preferences of its era and contribute to the character of the area.
The building is easily reached by public transport and sits near other important landmarks in the business district. Visitors should note that only the exterior is accessible and exploring the surrounding area works best on foot.
The building faced demolition in 1980 and only portions of its original facade were saved from destruction. These fragments were later attached to neighboring structures and remind visitors of the threat that historical buildings faced in Melbourne during that era.
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