Harris Terrace, Brisbane, Commercial heritage building in Brisbane, Australia
Harris Terrace is a two-storey masonry terrace of six narrow-fronted houses at 68 George Street, on the corner of Margaret Street. It was designed by James Cowlishaw and built around 1866–1867 by Mr Clarke for George Harris. The rendered brick front presents six identical units side by side, each with its own entrance, forming a single long facade along the street.
The building was constructed between 1866 and 1867 by architects J & G Cowlishaw and was commissioned by George Harris, a member of Queensland's first Legislative Council. It dates from a period when Brisbane was developing from a small colony into a growing city.
The building shows how wealthy families lived in Brisbane's early days, with its six connected residences arranged across two levels. The architecture tells of Victorian lifestyles and the social standing of its former residents.
The building is located on George Street and functions as office spaces today while preserving its original appearance. Visitors can see the facade and exterior of the building, though the interior spaces are typically not open to the public.
Harris Terrace was built as a speculative investment for George Harris, a London-born merchant who arrived in Brisbane in 1848 and sat on Queensland's first Legislative Council from 1859 to 1878. His architect, James Cowlishaw, is described as Brisbane's first successful private architect; he had earlier worked on Harris's wharf and stores and on Newstead House.
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