Keating House "restoration", a real shame

As I'd feared, the completed restoration of Keating House in Indooroopilly has ruined much of its charm. It is a real shame and spit in the face to the prominent historic building's intangible character.

After so much neglect and being ordered to restore or else by heritage authorities, the owners have done a complete backflip and seems almost spiteful and disrespectful.

The building looks far too new now. The paint is all fresh white (even the windows !), like it could have been built yesterday. The galvanised roof gleams. No longer does it contrast with the red roof paint. I'm sure the heritage experts did their research, but there was something in its original state that said more for its history than what we've ended up with.

A picture and review can be seen on the ABC Queensland site.

Unfortunately in the name of heritage, Brisbane has lost a little piece of 1890s charm.

Queensland National Bank building restored and refurbished

The Queensland National Bank building at 308 Queen Street has been restored and refurbished and is currently leasing.

The 1881 landmark renaissance revival building is notable for its sandstone facade, giant cornice and giant order columns. It is one of the earliest surviving Beaux Arts styled city office buildings in Australia and one of Australia's finest non-government Victorian Academic Classical buildings. It is located in the financial heart in a historic commercial precinct.

Originally designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley the renovations were designed by heritage architect Robert Riddell and Donovan Hill and marketed at "The Chambers".

The lavish boardroom is now a private function venue.


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