Adaptive reuse

The former Colonial Mutual Life (CML) building was constructed in two stages between 1935-1936. It has since been adapted to become The Mayfair, a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and function space.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, B 7079, c1936. Right: JPE Architects

The original Citizens' Life Assurance Company office was built in 1901 and was known as Electra House from 1940. It has recently been adapted to a restaurant, including a contemporary outdoor dining area, providing a new public use in a busy City street.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, PRG 631/2/124, c1910. Right: Studio Nine Architects.

The Beresford Arms Inn was constructed in 1839 and is the oldest remaining hotel building in the City of Adelaide and reputedly in South Australia. It was first licensed in March 1840 and was known as the Oddfellows' Arms between 1856-1861. It was later used as a dwelling for a period before being severely damaged by fire. The site was then purchased by the City of Adelaide. After conserving the building, it was placed on the market and is now used as offices.

Photo credits: Left and Right City of Adelaide.

The former Model School was constructed in 1873-1874 and was divided into three sections to separately accommodate boys, girls and infants. In 1908 it formed part of Adelaide High School, along with the two buildings to the east. It has since been adapted for use as a childcare centre.

Photo credits: Left: City Archives, HP0290, c1910. Right: Flightpath Architects.

This former shop with a residence above was constructed in 1908. It is now solely used for residential purposes and the adaptation process provided much needed conservation work to the facade and balcony.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, B 1852, c1916. Right: BB Architects.

This building has had multiple uses over the years but has remained largely true to its original form. Starting life as a chemist shop, its most recent adaptation to a private residence provided much needed conservation work to the façade, veranda and balcony.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, B 17669, c1967. Right: BB Architects.

This former power station has been adapted into the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, known as Tandanya, which has become an important local cultural facility.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, B 10366, c1923. Right: Panache Photography.

A portion of the former City Destructor site was adapted into a restaurant and public space, featuring the iconic chimney. The adaptation has since provided a new use for this visual icon of the city.

Photo credits: Left: City archives HP12646. Right: Adelaide Living

Originally built as a shop with residence above, the building was adapted to become the North Adelaide Fire Station. It has since been adapted into themed holiday accommodation, providing a unique stay for visitors.

Photo credits: Left: Photographic survey of North Adelaide 1976. Right: City of Adelaide.

The Torrens Parade Ground and Training Depot was erected by the Commonwealth of Australia in 1936 as a military training depot and assembly ground for troops. The Depot was given back to the State in 2001. The building was subsequently adapted to provide a central city location for several ex-services organisations and the History Trust of South Australia.

Photo credits: Left: State Library of South Australia, PRG 287/1/12/5, c1936. Right: Grieve Gillett Anderson Architects.