27 Gipps Street, Fortitude Valley

Confidence in the Valley is reflected in the fact that several substantial buildings were constructed there in the 1870s, including the Holy Trinity Church in 1871 and the grand Queensland National bank (now demolished) in 1877. Many modest buildings were also constructed in the 1870s. Dwellings were built to house the area’s growing permanent population and shops were built to service them.

This two storey house was one of the many houses that were built during this decade, although few remain today. The land on which it stands was acquired by Mary and Barbara Carmody in 1879. The house was probably built soon after. In 1883 the house was occupied by James Carmody. In the mid-1890s Miss B (presumably Barbara) Carmody is recorded as the occupant of the house. The house was used as a private home until the early 1900s when it was converted to a boarding house. The property was sold to the Queensland Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission in 1914 and in 1920 it was purchased by Alfred Parsons. Parsons continued to operate the boarding house until the 1940s when it was again sold.

Just two doors down from the Jireh Baptist Church, which was built in 1862, this house was one of five very similar two-storeyed houses with second storey verandahs, built along this side of Gipps Street. While Fortitude Valley attracted mainly working class residents, Gipps Street last century was home to wealthier owners, as is reflected in the materials and style of this building. Its two storey masonry construction provides a contrast with the humble timber cottages that were predominant in the Valley last century. Its four neighbouring houses are shown in a 1949 photograph, but this is the only survivor among the area. Today Gipps Street is among Brisbane’s heaviest traffic routes and this building has sensibly been converted for commercial use.

1. Fortitude Valley Centenary 1849-1949, Brisbane: the Committee, 1949

2. Post Office Directories

3. Brisbane City Council Sewerage Detail Plan 154, 1914