Significance
Criterion AThe place is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland’s history.
Samuel Allan & Sons (former), constructed in two stages [1881 and 1910], is significant historically as the Townsville headquarters of the important trading firm of Samuel Allen & Sons, and is a surviving example of a late 19th century commercial building.
Criterion DThe place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of cultural places.
Samuel Allen & Sons (former), constructed in two stages [1881 and 1910], is significant historically as the Townsville headquarters of the important trading firm of Samuel Allen & Sons, and is a surviving example of a late 19th century commercial building.
Criterion EThe place is important because of its aesthetic significance.
It contributes to a distinctive historical commercial streetscape at the western end of Flinders Street East.
Criterion HThe place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland’s history.
Samuel Allen & Sons (former), constructed in two stages [1881 and 1910], is significant historically as the Townsville headquarters of the important trading firm of Samuel Allen & Sons, and is a surviving example of a late 19th century commercial building.
History
This building was constructed in 1881 as a single-storeyed produce store for Samuel Allen & Company [later Samuel Allen & Sons]. The company had been established in Townsville since 1872 and became an Australia-wide mercantile firm.
With the expansion of the firm, a second floor was added in 1910 and the façade was altered with the addition of a heavily decorated parapet.
After the building was sold in 1979 the ground floor facade was renovated.
In 1991 the structure was converted to a cafe/nightclub.
Description
The building is constructed of brick with contrasting bands of stucco on the facade. It is surmounted by a parapet with heavy decorative accents, which conceals the corrugated iron roof.
The window frames have been replaced with aluminium and the ground floor facade has been painted cream.
The 1910 street awning, with timber supports, remains intact although a large sign has been added.
Most of the interior has been altered, but the original ceiling of the upper floor remains.
The building, although altered internally, survives among a group of colonial to federation period structures in a commercial streetscape.
