Addresses
Type of place
Flat building
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Functionalist
This is an image of the local heritage place known as Flats 'Bellevue Court'
Bellevue Court
Addresses
Type of place
Flat building
Period
Interwar 1919-1939
Style
Functionalist
This Interwar Functionalist block of flats was designed by Brisbane architects Blackburne and Gzell in 1937 for Mrs May Baker. Designed in an up-to-date interwar style, it survives as a good example of the modern designs that Blackburne and Gzell were renowned for. ‘Bellevue Court’ reflects the interwar trend towards purpose-built flats in inner-city areas that occurred in Brisbane and other Australian cities in response to factors such as widespread housing shortages and the growing popularity of flat dwelling as a “modern” lifestyle.
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Face brick
People/associations
Blackburne and Gzell (Architect)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (D) RepresentativeInteractive mapping
Lot plan
Key dates
Local Heritage Place Since —
Date of Citation —
Construction
Roof: Corrugated iron;Walls: Face brick
People/associations
Blackburne and Gzell (Architect)Criterion for listing
(A) Historical; (D) RepresentativeInteractive mapping
History
This masonry block of flats designed in the Interwar Functionalist style by Brisbane architects Blackburne and Gzell was built in 1937 for Mrs May Baker. It demonstrates the changing residential patterns in some suburbs of Brisbane during the interwar years when purpose built flats began to appear, particularly in areas serviced by the tramlines such as Clayfield and New Farm.
These flats were often built in the most recent architectural styles such as Art Deco and Interwar Functionalist. Other examples in the Clayfield area include ‘Hampton Court’ on Sandgate Road, Albion and ‘Meerawa’ and ‘Yearinga’ in nearby Lapraik Street. As well as reflecting the growing trend of flat dwelling as a “modern lifestyle” in Brisbane and other Australian cities, the construction of purpose built flats helped to address the housing shortages of the early 20th century. It was already common for existing houses to be divided into flats to provide additional accommodation.
May Baker purchased two allotments measuring 60 perches near the corner of Bonney Avenue (then known as Old Sandgate Road) and Sandgate Road in November 1936. ‘Bellevue Court’ which contained eight flats was constructed at a cost of £5 300.
The architects for the building, Godfrey Blackburne and Vitaly Gzell, established their practice in Brisbane in 1934, continuing their partnership until 1953. Blackburne had earlier received the student gold medal of the Queensland Institute of Architects for 1931. The firm became known for their designs in the latest Interwar styles, some of which were featured in the social magazines of the era such as the Steering Wheel.
The Interwar Functionalist style which featured clean lines and simple geometric shapes originated in Europe and was practised in Queensland from the 1930s mostly by younger architects inspired by the ideals of a new modern architecture. ‘Bellevue Court’ demonstrates the horizontal bands, vertical motifs, light coloured face brick and integrated lettering that were common characteristics of this style.
Statement of significance
Relevant assessment criteria
This is a place of local heritage significance and meets one or more of the local heritage criteria under the Heritage planning scheme policy of the Brisbane City Plan 2014. It is significant because:
References
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Brisbane City Council Detail plans and aerial photographs
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Brisbane City Council, Register of New Buildings 1937
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DERM. Land titles information
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Queensland Post Office Directories
Citation prepared by — Brisbane City Council (page revised June 2022)