Powlett Mansions
East Melbourne, Powlett Street 071
Description:
A three storey block of Art Deco apartments built around a pre-existing shop. This is possibly the earliest licensed grocer in East Melbourne. Unfortunately the exterior has been substantially altered, but much of the interior shopfitting remains, including fine timber shelves, leadlights and arched openings. [i-Heritage database]
History:
On 17 October 1874 [Thomas] Boyle notified the Melbourne City Council of his intention to have William Weir, of Clifton Hill build him a two storey house.[1] Three days later Weir advertised for tenders from rubblewallers and bricklayers and by May 1875 Thomas Boyle, now residing at Powlett Street, gave notice that he would apply for a grocer’s licence in those same premises.[2][3]