Two of Fortitude Valley’s iconic buildings are turning one hundred, and locals are invited to join the celebrations.
Carroll’s Corner and Rollinson Buildings on Brunswick Street were both built in 1925, when the Valley was a shopping destination which rivalled the Brisbane CBD. Early retailers along the strip between McLachlan and Ann Streets included butchers, bakeries, fruit shops, a jeweller and a music store.
Carroll’s Corner later became home to the famous California Café for four decades, while the Rollinson Buildings’ most famous tenant is Giardinetto, which has been at the same location since 1966. Other long-term businesses include Reverends and Fat Dumpling.
Tenancies in both buildings have evolved over recent decades to reflect the Valley’s continued growth as an entertainment precinct. These days the buildings and the neighbouring California Lane, which opened in 2018, are home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, wine bars, art studios and music venues.
The Open Day, to be held on Saturday, November 22, will feature food, music, a record market, heritage tours, photographic displays and evening entertainment. Prominent painter and former local councillor David Hinchliffe will also be on hand to paint the streetscape on the day.
The buildings’ owner, Arthur Apostolos, says the Valley has always been full of character and characters.
“When these buildings first opened, their neighbours included several hotels and the Truth Newspaper, which later became the Sun Building and then the Sun apartments.
“The area might’ve changed over the past hundred years, but it is still a place for people to get together and have fun.
“The Open Day is about celebrating the buildings, the hard-working business owners and their loyal customers who have made them such lively places.”
More information about the Open Day events and heritage tour booking information is available at thelanesfortitudevalley.com and by following @mycalifornialane.
Local residents are also invited to share their images and stories of the two buildings and their many tenants over the years by emailing [email protected]. The best photo entry will receive a $100 prize.
