Rab Lounge Bar At Grand Hotel Melbourne
Hotel in Melbourne

Melbourne’s most treasured possessions. The traditional life of Aboriginal people in Melbourne was to change irrevocably with the arrival of the Europeans. Many traditions were preserved and continue an integral element of Melbourne's cultural heritage, and Aboriginal people retain traditional, historical and contemporary connection to the city. In 1833 the hill became the home of one of Port Phillip's superior obvious residents, John Batman. The government took regulate of the land in 1841. Also in 1842, the area was proposed as the site for Melbourne's Botanical Gardens. However, during the coming years the area around the Yarra River became increasingly more industrialized. As they owned the current site and, due to its proximity to Spencer Street and Flanders Street Station, the building location was chosen. Engineer of existing lines, William Henry Greene was commissioned to prepare plans. The building is to be brick faced with stucco. The style of architecture is to be Italian and, as our engraving shows, the structure will have substantial and imposing appearance. The scale of this building, even in the 1880's, was something to be remarked upon. The corridors of the ground and first floors were to be some 12 feet (3.6 meres) wide, and the rooms throughout the building were to be lofty. The expected cost of the building was considerable. Originally estimated at 100,00 pounds, the cost was more than the entire cost of the two lavish station buildings, which had. Indeed the eventual cost of the building, including the furnishings and fittings, was to far exceed 100,00 pounds. The completion of construction of the bridling was in 1891. Despite the daunting size of the building, the railway headquarters had already, by the turn of the century, proved it was unable to house the army of clerical workers involved in growing and running the largest government department. In 1968 all the original passenger car lifts were replaced. Soon afterwards, the impaired administration building was earmarked for sale as portion of the State Government's program for the rationalization of its stock of additional public buildings. In May 1989 the Japanese investor withdrew all interest and, amid general economic downturn, it was announced the project had been canceled and the building was to be resold. Finally the building was acquired in the mid 1990's and converted into a unique development for Melbourne. Earlier to construction, the architect's short was to maintain the feel and style of this majestic building. Level 6 of the hotel houses maximum of the studio suites, with wrap around, terrace style balconies enjoying views over Melbourne city, the Yarra river and west over the Docklands' development.