Dr Hedley Brown Residence (former)

Architectural firm Atkinson and Conrad called for tenders for the construction of a "Brick and tile residence and consulting rooms" in the Architects’ and Builders’ Journal of Queensland. Tenders were due by 11 April, 1927. Stronach and Son of Commercial Road, Fortitude Valley, successfully tendered for the job (announced in the June issue of the Journal) and an application was submitted on 11 June 1927 to the Brisbane City Council for permission to erect the building.

The firm Atkinson and Conrad was formed from the architectural firm Atkinson and McLay around 1918, after McLay’s death. The firm subsequently had a number of partners, becoming at one time Atkinson, Powell and Conrad, and was regarded during the inter-war period as an "important and influential architectural firm." Important commissions included the Masonic Temple in Ann Street (circa 1930 – a competition winning design) and the Tristram’s Factory, now the West End Markets. 

Previously located at Brisbane Hospital, Brown arrived to practice in Nundah at sometime around 1922, residing at nearby Eton Street. He presumably opened his surgery at 2 Rode Road sometime in late 1927 or early 1928 after Stronach and Son completed their works. By 1942 he was practising at his Rode Road surgery and at Wickham Terrace in Brisbane. 

In 1931 Brown sold of part the property to the Presbyterian Church. The rest of the property was sold following his death in July 1950. In December 1964 the new owners transferred a portion of the property facing Sandgate Road to Esso Standard Oil of Australia where a petrol station now stands. 

This site is an example of a Brisbane suburban General Practitioner’s combined residence and surgery constructed during the interwar period. This period was a notable developmental stage for Nundah, both in the growth of the population and the built environment.

1. Allom Lovell Marquis-Kyle Architects, Former Tristram’s Factory West End: A Report outlining cultural significance and conservation policy for Heritage Development Corporation. 1994

2. The Architects’ and Builders’ Journal. 11 April, 1927 p. 78 & 10 June, 1927 p.74.

3. Brisbane City Council Detail Plan No: 1337

4. Brisbane City Electronic Records - Building Cards & Archival Index

5. Brisbane City Council Building Register. June 1927. p.152.

6. Certificates of Title.

7. Nundah and Districts Historical Society files

8. Watson, Donald and Judith McKay. A Directory of Queensland Architects to 1940. (St. Lucia: U of Q Press, 1984)