The Central Buildings were constructed in 1924[3] to cater to locals, after the growth and commercial potential of the area became evident to Walter Taylor.[1]
The "Bulk Store", which is located on the Rakeevan Street side of the complex, originally was designed and built to house Taylor's office, but is now used as a garage.[4] The front of the building on the side nearest the Graceville railway station contained his desk and the other side had drafting boards and plans. An extensive warehouse was located at the back with a large work bench, which was the full length of the building.[5]
The Indooroopilly Toll Bridge company had their office in the Central Buildings[6][7] while they gathered investors to construct the Indooroopilly Toll Bridge (later to be renamed the Walter Taylor Bridge).[8]
The design of the building influenced the design for the Graceville Station in 1958.[9]
Heritage listing
The Central Buildings were listed on the Brisbane Heritage Register, as they:[1]
demonstrate the historical commercial development in Graceville
demonstrate the principal characteristics of a larger suburban interwar commercial premises
demonstrate the Art Deco style in commercial buildings
have associations with Walter Taylor, a significant local builder
^Davis, Noel; Cook, Margaret; Fones, Ralph; Oxley-Chelmer History Group (2011), The remarkable Walter Taylor, Oxley-Chelmer History Group Inc, p. 37, ISBN978-0-9751466-3-7
^"Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. No. 23, 544. Queensland, Australia. 17 July 1933. p. 3. Retrieved 25 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Advertising". The Brisbane Courier. No. 23, 510. Queensland, Australia. 7 June 1933. p. 19. Retrieved 25 October 2017 – via National Library of Australia.