Croker
East Melbourne, Albert Street 314, 318, Airlie
Description:
This is a particularly fine two storey mansion of a very early date. The building is symmetrically arranged about a central entry porch with balcony over and secondary bracketed balconies on the flanks, creating a romantic appearance. The ground floor openings have arched heads whilst the upper windows have square heads with radiused frames.
History:
On 8 May 1854 James G Francis advised the Melbourne City Council that he would make wooden additions to his house on Lots 8 and 9 of Section 8 in Albert Street. Lot 8 was on the corner of Eades Street and Lot 9 was next door fronting Eades Street. A ‘staff wanted’ ad in the Argus of 29 April 1854 gives an idea of East Melbourne at the time: