Spencers Building, Heritage-listed buildings in Brisbane, Queensland
Spencers Building is a four-floor warehouse with basement in Brisbane, built from 1889 to early 1890 after designs by prominent architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. The two-part structure displays restrained Victorian architecture with brick walls, arched window openings, and modest decorative details typical of late 19th-century storage buildings.
The building was constructed in 1889-1890 by builder Thomas Rees from architect Stanley's designs and immediately functioned as a storage warehouse for goods. The land had been owned by various figures including ironfounder William Hood before becoming a warehouse complex.
The building bears the name of Leonard Spencer, a coach builder who operated there in the early 1900s and became closely associated with the site. Its sturdy brick construction and large openings reflect how Brisbane's trading community stored goods and conducted business during that era.
The building sits on Edward Street in central Brisbane and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors can view the exterior and appreciate the Victorian brick architecture with its arched windows from street level.
The woman Frances Sophia Jones who owned the land before construction was an exception for her era, as women rarely held property alone at that time. This unusual ownership situation ultimately enabled the building's construction and represents an early departure from contemporary conventions.
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