Victoria street, named after Queen Victoria  (1837-1901) is one of the most elegant streets in Sydney with its majestic London Plane trees, rows of terrace houses and occasional Art Deco apartments

Unsurprisingly, 148 Victoria Street is named Mayfair, after the most exclusive area in London and next to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and within walking of Harrod’s department store.

148 Victoria Street is a three-storey block with eight apartments built with liver-coloured and brown bricks with cross hatched elements and a tall architectural feature running to the height of the building.

Retail shops occupy the ground floor. The glass front doors feature a diamond-shaped window, a common Art Deco feature. Above the doorway is mottled glass feature with a blue diamond shaped lozenge adding a delightful architectural element.

Its building name escutcheon higher up in the facade may have originally been in gold leaf with a scarlet surround. Two semi-enclosed oriel-style cantilevered balconies face the street. It was probably built in the 1920-30s.

Inside, many apartments retain their high ceilings, original floor boards, wainscotting and cornices, all adding to the originality and heritage of the building.

Mayfair is a gem in its delightful streetscape.

By Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions