Smellie's Building

Smellie's Building is a red brick warehouse at 32 Edward Street in Brisbane with a mezzanine level, central arched entrance, and pilasters rising to a decorated roofline. The structure features clerestory windows providing natural light throughout, heavy timber beams supporting the mezzanine, and multiple storage sections across its different levels.

Built in 1895 by Smellie & Co, the warehouse served as a major distribution point for hardware, machinery, and farm equipment across Queensland. This period saw Brisbane expanding its industrial areas, and such facilities became essential hubs for regional commerce.

The structure shows how Brisbane's business district developed through its solid brick design and large storage spaces that served merchants and traders. The tall windows and open layouts reveal how warehouses of this era were built to handle goods efficiently while allowing work throughout the day.

The exterior can be viewed from the street, where the brick facade and inscriptions are clearly visible. Visitors should explore the area in early morning or late afternoon when light naturally highlights the facade details.

The original inscription 'SMELLIE & CO' remains visible above the central bay, along with the date and the words 'HARDWARE AND MACHINERY'. These preserved original markings make it a rare example of surviving commercial signage from that era.