Rowes Building

Rowes Building is a five-story commercial structure at 237 Edward Street featuring classical Victorian design elements including wide arched openings and an ornate triangular pediment. Inside are shops, a tavern, and offices that open to the public through the main entrance, creating spaces for retail, dining, and business work.

The building was constructed in 1885 for businessman W. Macfarlane and initially housed offices and warehouses for various businesses. A major fire damaged it in 1909, leading to reconstruction and its eventual occupation by Rothwells drapers and tailors, who later expanded internally by connecting with the adjacent property.

The building shows how commercial spaces in Brisbane adapted over time, shifting from warehouses to retail shops and offices serving different types of businesses. Its internal link to the adjacent Rothwells Building demonstrates how neighboring properties merged to create larger business complexes in the city center.

The building sits in Brisbane's central business district and is easy to reach via Edward Street. The shop arcades and public spaces are well accessible during daytime hours, with the classical architecture defining the interior flow.

After the 1909 fire, the building was reconstructed with fire safety innovations that were uncommon for commercial structures at that time. These adaptations reflect how the disaster prompted new construction standards across Brisbane.