Sydney History - The ASN Co Building, The Rocks
The ASN Co Building at the Rocks, Sydney is a heritage listed warehouse and office building that was constructed between 1884 and 1885.
A five storey - four bay warehouse with an attached single bay of four stories of office space. The building is a 'Romantic composition in polychrome brick and sandstone capped by picturesque Dutch gables'.
The building was described in the Sydney Morning Herald on the date of opening, 25 July 1885, as: 'The new buildings are five storeys high, the first storey being of stone and the remaining ones of brick. Among the offices is a spacious board room, available for public meetings of the share-holders. The lowest floor of offices, level with the wharves, and entered there from, comprises the shipping office, marine superintendents office. The traffic superintendent's office and an apartment for the reception of Carter's tickets and general wharf business'.
The building was acquired by the Crown in 1887 and later became the Government Ordnance Bond Stores. In 1906 the Department of Defence took control of the building and in 1950 it was occupied by the Australian Commonwealth Offices.
Today, the ASN Co building sits adjacent the International Cruise Terminal in the historic Rocks district. In 1991-92, the building was restored to its original 1880s appearance both inside and out, and following that has been leased for galleries facing George Street, retail on Circular Quay West and commercial uses on the upper floors.
You can find out more about the history of this building at the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority’s website: http://www.shfa.nsw.gov.au/sydney-About_us-Heritage_role-Heritage_and_Conservation_Register.htm&objectid=62
