Architecture is a great tool with which we can create spaces and ambiance that advocate certain lifestyle practices and ethos. Spaces have proved to guide a particular way of living. The most ambitious ideas and concepts that influence the ideologies of people, can only thrive in the right kind of spaces. The curation of such spaces plays a key role in the success of the newest and finest of ideas and also plays a crucial role in narrating the stories they encapsulate.
A flamboyant structure gracing the architectural skyline of Melbourne is the Federal Coffee Palace, one such ambitious venture conceived by the duo James Mirams and James Munro, that served as a nod during the temperance movement in Australia.
During the peak of the temperance movement, a paradigm shift towards alcohol-free establishments was witnessed. Resonating with the idea of the movement, this coffee palace was established that was devoid of alcohol and promoted a sober and moral lifestyle.
At the very juncture of the Collins and Kings Streets, this architectural edifice was conceived in its full glory in 1888. Its inception and untimely demise render a narrative of the changing preferences of societies and that evolution is a way to survive. The theatrical structure that glorified the zenith of the temperance movement was razed down for a lot of reasons in 1973.
Architectural Splendour
This ambitious venture was focused on creating a hotel that would be the finest in the city. This architectural marvel was an outcome of the collaborative efforts of Ellerker & Kilburn and William Pitt, who were awarded the first and second positions respectively in the design competition held to design this “finest in the city” Hotel.
The French-inspired mansard roofs clubbed with the Renaissance revival details, produced this massive structure intricately detailed with elements like ionic columns, pilasters, balconies, and an iconic dome touching the skies with a165ft height. The interiors exuberated sheer opulence with a four-storeyed lobby crowned by a glass roof that illuminated the lobby, a grand staircase exquisitely clad with marble, and function rooms detailed intricately.
With a strategically planned timeline for the inauguration of the hotel to coincide with Melbourne’s Centennial exhibition, the construction for the hotel culminated in 1888 which commenced in 1886. It housed around 560 rooms with 370 guest bedrooms and was fully loaded with modern amenities like a passenger lift which was Melbourne’s one of the earliest and it instantly became a popular attraction. In its time, it garnered the accolade of being “one of the largest and most opulent hotels in the world.”
Challenges, Adaptation, and Decline
The neophyte idea of a liquor-free establishment was a success initially, but the temperance stance limited its appearance to the broader clientele which prompted the management to reconsider and revise the policies. A turning point was witnessed when the establishment obtained a wine license while making an exit from the Indigenous concept and rebranded as “Federal Palace Hotel”. Marking a pragmatic adaptation to the prevailing social climate, the hotel was licensed fully after years of rigorous attempts.
A lot of efforts were made through the interwar period to modernize the hotel to keep up with the ever-changing tastes, preferences, and market trends. A lot of renovations were undertaken yet the hotel’s popularity waned and the newer establishments posed be threat leading to the further decline of the fortunes of the Coffee Palace. With the establishment of the Southern Cross Hotel and the shifting dynamics of the hospitality industry in Melbourne, once a grand palace became increasingly obsolete.
A decision was made to demolish this historic structure in the early 1970s which sparked a major public outcry. In spite of the efforts of people, and protests for the preservation of this historic building, the demolition proceedings occurred in 1973 and the building was taken down to dust, which has marked a significant loss of a masterpiece that once graced the architectural skyline of Melbourne.
Legacy, Contemporary Reflections, and Future Prospects
Following the years this marvel was razed down, the site witnessed varied developments mirroring Melbourne’s evolving urban landscape. While the physical manifestation of the structure no longer finds its presence in the skyline of Melbourne, its legacy has left a mark on the public memory and has endured its identity in the historical discourse. It also makes its place as a citation in forums on heritage preservation and the impact of urban development on historical and cultural landmarks.
There have been no active initiatives to revive the coffee palace in its original form but the name “Federal Coffee” has found its revival in Melbourne’s contemporary Café culture paying homage to the original coffee palace.
The story of this architectural marvel continues to resonate and raises a discussion on how many buildings will we have to lose before we fully understand their value and the role they play in shaping our collective identity? Or do we leave these meticulously designed buildings, the revolutionary ideas behind, for them to succumb to such a fate?
References:
Hay, J. G. (2019, March 02). Lost Melbourne: 10 Landmark Buildings . Retrieved from medium.com: https://medium.com/@JamesGrantHay/lost-melbourne-10-landmark-buildings-demolished-forever-fb48eec828a2
The Federal Coffee Palace . (1888, July 31). The Argus , p. 5.
