Hansom Horse & Cart Cab Company Building (former)

This building was reputedly erected circa 1856 as offices for the Handsome Horse and Cart Cab Company. They provided a horse-drawn taxi service for Brisbane’s residents. By 1874, this two-storey building was being used by William Maies for his residence and butcher’s shop. In 1878, William Ohlrich was running his tailor’s shop from the premises. Thereafter it housed a variety of commercial operations including Capp’s General Store in the early 1900s and later Mrs Dibble’s Corner Store. During World War Two, the premises were used as a brothel. In 1950, Munro Typewriters (founded 1890) moved their headquarters from Heindorff House in the City to the shop at the corner of Rogers Street and St Pauls Terrace. Munro Typewriters remained at the site until 1993 when David Tyler bought the property. He built a two-storey replica shop and residence next to the 1856 building. The current owners, the Optometrists Association of Australia (Queensland and Northern Territory Branch) purchased the building in 2001and the Association considers “the heritage listing is the icing on the cake” in their efforts to preserve the history of their profession and this building.