Former West's Coffee Palace

Dating from 1903, West's Coffee Palace represents a major early work of the significant South Australian architect, Albert Selmar Conrad. It is an excellent example of the Edwardian Free Style of architecture which combines "Byzantine" elements with typical materials, red brick, cream painted render, and red terracotta roof tiles, creating a picturesque form and strong architectural statement in this section of the city.The Hindley Street facade is one of the best examples of the architecture of the Federation period in Adelaide and in South Australia. The building is intact above awning level.Originally known as 'The Austral Stores' it was a substantial commercial complex of 12 shops, large warehouse and residential accommodation built for butcher and small-goods manufacturer Leopold Conrad, the architect's father. From 1908, when the building underwent alterations to incorporate a large dining room, it was the premises of Grant's, and later West's Coffee Palaces.It is also significant as a relic of the phenomenon of Coffee Palaces, which provided unlicenced family-style meals and accommodation.(Adapted from Conservation Plan, McDougall & Vines 1991)

Listing Information

• Date of Listing: 5 April 1984

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