328-344 Kings Way. South Melbourne, Victoria
Former Terrace Houses: 328-344 Kings Way. South Melbourne, Victoria.
This is one of my favourite Melbourne terraces and one of the only ones remaining along Kings Way.
While the landmark triple “boom style” storey terrace is within its own heritage overlay HO1771, unfortunately last month there was an application to demolish the terraces. They appear destined to be incorporated into a 14 storey apartment tower development.
The terraces have been used commercially for many years, the most recent being an Italian restaurant, using the top levels and balconies for functions and dining.
Architecturally the two main terraces are extremely interesting with its symmetrical design and eclectic mix of styles. Arguably the most interesting aspect of this terrace is its spectacular mansard roof, complete with classical arched dormer windows with pediments double hung arched windows and prominent ledges. The facade and dormers are adorned with a mix of motifs including Egyptian style crests, wreaths and celtic like engravings in stucco on the thick party walls which sit upon a base of bluestone. There is a frieze of three festoons below the eaves of each house. The cast iron lacework fringes consist of a single straight band with a pendant at the midpoint and round brackets on either side. The cast iron balustrade features a repeating arch pattern like the fringe rich in detail. The ground level features two large faceted bays with extremely tall arched windows in each bay and a tall arched window which would have been a doorway since converted.
It was built by Robert Howard in 1890.2 The modern roof cladding is somewhat unsympathetic and originates from a later date, it is my guess that the roof was originally tiled in slate with possible cast iron features.
There is a third terrace which also features the faceted bay of the taller two, however consists of just a single storey without any iron lacework. This building may have been originally part of the row or possibly even built sometime later any time up until the 1920s. I’d love to hear from anyone who knows but in any case it is apparently to be totally demolished.
For many years the building and facade had been neglected. Even today in its reasonably well maintained state, its colour scheme is unsympathetic and its gutters are in obvious disrepair.
Thanks to Rohan for the additional info.
Not so long ago I posted photos of this pair. It is on our well worn path to our local pub a few doors along. I speculated that the roofs were ugly, with some agreement from those who commented, and that they were a modern alteration.
Your photo makes it look very nice.
Yes i have sometimes thought they might be a modern addition, but really if so they are very well done, so more likely its just that the roof material makes them look maybe new. Surprising if they are original that they are not listed by Natioanl Trust, because steep mansard with dormers like that are very rare in Melb. Sincerely hope that no facade-ment takes place – its a large site it seems, so they could / should do some kind of sympathetic development keeping at least the front portion. Demolishing only to reproduce the facade should not be tolerated ! Its not even seen as good practice in Moscow (where it happens a lot). Perhaps newish Port Phillip Council might have different views. Also one ofthe many heritge studies, eg. 1980s south melb study (not yet on line) should have details of dates, original features etc.
Just found the Port Philip planning report, which includes heritage citation :
“The pair of attached house at No. 328 Kings Way, South
Melbourne, was erected by the builder Robert Howard in 1890.
It is important as a survivor in an area recently almost totally
developed for offices, whilst the mansard treatment to the
uppermost floor creating a third floor is unusual. The building’s
connection with Robert Howard, a known speculative builder
during the Boom period, is of interest.”
Another comment notes that the roof may have been reconstructed after a fire, and that the original would have been slate; and it is going to be so again.
report at http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/Report_4_-_328-344_Kings_Way_South_Melbourne.pdf
And just went past and now roof is gone and back being bulldozed leaving what looks like a 3m depth left !