181-187 Hay Street, Sydney, Heritage building in Haymarket, Sydney, Australia
The building at 181-187 Hay Street is a commercial structure from the 1890s featuring elaborate terracotta details and patterned brickwork. A prominent corner tower with a conical roof marks the intersection where three streets meet.
The building was constructed between 1893 and 1895 according to designs by architect George McRae in Federation Anglo-Dutch style. It was originally built to serve market administration and public facilities.
The 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art occupies this space since 2000, linking the historic structure with contemporary artistic practice. Visitors observe how modern creative work takes place within a heritage-protected environment.
The building sits at a busy street corner with good accessibility and clear visibility from the street. The external architecture is well preserved, while the interior spaces have been adapted for current uses.
The structure contains original cast iron columns and a concealed skylight, which are characteristic of late Victorian market architecture in Sydney. These technical details demonstrate the refined craftsmanship and construction methods of that era.
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