Mitchell Building, Adelaide

The very first facility of South Australia’s very first university – the Mitchell Building of The University of Adelaide (established 1874) – was meant to be designed by James MacGeorge, who won the architectural competition for it in 1877. However, the ultimate selection of the architect proved somewhat scandalous, as MacGeorge was replaced by Melbourne-based Michael Egan, who was then replaced by William McMinn and Edward John Woods. While McMinn is largely credited for the project, much of its design apparently was based on Egan’s work.

The foundation stone of the building was laid on 30 July 1879 by Governor Sir William Jervois. Two years later the edifice accommodated first classes, while still under construction. It was finally completed in 1882 and was praised for its Gothic design, described by The South Australian Weekly Chronicle as “thoroughly academic”.

This building housed all of the University of Adelaide’s faculties and activities until the completion of the Elder Conservatorium in 1900 and the Prince of Wales Building in 1902.

In 1961 it was named in honour of Sir William Mitchell, one of the university’s first philosophy academics, who also served as the university’s vice-chancellor from 1916 to 1942 and its chancellor from 1942 to 1948.