Among the many modern skyscrapers of Melbourne, there are many older buildings that allow a view of the architecture of days past.
This cache is meant to draw your attention to the Former Gollin Offices on Bourke Street. It was designed by Architect Charles D'Ebro in 1901 as both a warehouse and office building for Gollin and Co. Pty Ltd.. Gollin were merchants and importers, orgininally from Adelaide, but moved to Melbourne in 1889. In their day, they handled import contracts for many large traders of foodstuffs, iron and steel, and oil, in particular the Shell Transport and Trading Co Ltd. The company occupied the building until 1966 and was finally liquidated in 1976.
Externally the building is designed in the manner of the English Queen Anne Revival and is the first fully realised example of the style in Victoria. It was restored by the Podgor Group in 1989 as part of the Renaissance Development and is now offices.
Less than 10 metres from cache location, you should get a good view of the building from across the road. But after logging the cache, I do encourage you to (safely) cross the road for a closer look at some of the ornate facade details. Given this is a busy urban street, GPS reception can be poor among the buildings and, as always, please be wary of muggles!