Donkey Wheel House (formerly Melbourne Tramways and Omnibus Company Building)
Hours Open
10am - 5pm (last self-guided tour at 4.30pm)
Address
673 Bourke Street
Architects
Twentyman & Askew
Year Built
1891
Building Type
Office
What is Open
Basement, ground floor, third floor ballroom
Tour Frequency
Continuous open access. Self-guided tours start at the ground floor entrance
Tram Stop
Stop 1: Spencer Street and Bourke Street on routes 86, 95 and 96
Note: stairs – no wheelchair or pram access
Description
The former Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company (MTOC) Building is a five-level building dating from 1891 which was built as the headquarters for the company six years after Melbourne's extensive cable tram system was introduced. Designed by Twentyman and Askew in a simple red brick Gothic Revival style, the former MTOC Building is one of Bourke Street’s most historically significant properties.
Significance
The MTOC was co-founded by Francis Boardman Clapp, an American who already ran horse-drawn 'omnibuses' throughout Melbourne. Clapp convinced the state government in the early 1880's to grant his company a monopoly to install a tramway system operated by cables running under the city's streets. Between 1886 and 1892 lines were built far out into the growing suburbs, forming one of the largest cable tram systems in the world, and the basis for today's tram network.
What’s Open?
As part of Melbourne Open House, you'll be able to explore this fascinating piece of history starting with the staircase leading to the third floor ballroom for a glimpse of the Melbourne business world in a gentler time. The building is only partially tenanted and has not yet been renovated or restored, so its character is beautifully exposed.
You will also get to explore the atmospheric basement with its low ceiling and tunnels leading into a maze of smaller rooms, each holding their own secrets. Included in the basement will be the 'Design For Change' installation as part of the State of Design Festival. Local artists and architects transform unused space to illustrate the role of designers in the development of sustainable living models.
Referenced from : "Walking Melbourne: A Guide to the Historic and Architectural Landmarks of Central Melbourne", produced by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), text by Rohan Storey, 2004, p. 51
