Photo by: Figaro

The Mansions. 40 George Street, Brisbane. Queensland.

The Mansions is a Brisbane landmark.  The huge row of six three storey terraces were built in 1889 to the design of G.H.M Addison and is a rare example of the American Romanesque style being applied to a row of terraced homes.

The building features some unique characteristics, including cat gargoyles on the corners of the parapet which is a balustrade.  The long limestone loggia are a substitute to the iron lacework typical of Australian terraces.  Classical columns prop up the arcades and triangular pediments mark the entrances.  There are other italianate features including the Palladian motifs on the upper windows over triangular pediments. Bays culminate in an attic level features an interesting asymmetric faceted bay design with a corrugated iron roof, cast iron finial crests and brick chimneys.

The fence and gates also have red brick and stone balustrade to match the main body of the building.

An early resident of “The Mansions” was Dr. Lillian Cooper, who was Queensland’s first female doctor and Australia’s first female surgeon. After World War I the building became a rooming house and in 1954 was bought by the Government of Queensland to be used as offices.

The terrace is on the Queensland Heritage Register.