Austral Building

The Austral Building, located at 115-119 Collins Street in Melbourne, is a striking example of English Queen Anne revival architecture designed by renowned architect Nahum Barnet in 1890. Originally commissioned by Alexander McKinley & Co. for artistic and commercial purposes, it featured purpose-built artist studios that housed notable figures like photographer JW Lindt and various painters. The building served as the headquarters for the Austral Salon, a pioneering women's club, and later supported artistic endeavors through the Melbourne Arts League. With its distinctive red brick facade, elegant shop fronts, and a steeply pitched slate roof, the Austral Building reflects Barnet's innovative design approach that harmonizes functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a significant cultural landmark in Melbourne's architectural history.